Foreign students learn wrap zongzi at Jiangnan University, in the Jiangsu province city of Wuxi on May 26. [Photo/wxrb.com]

Wuxi's Jiangnan University invited more than 80 overseas students to learn how to make zongzi, a type of gluttonous rice dish wrapped in bamboo leaves that is traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat festival. The event took place on May 26 and was covered by local news outlet jschina.com.cn.

The university often hosts similar cultural exchange events to try and expose its foreign students to some of China's rich traditions. Such events seek to further understanding among the international community, as Mr. Hu, a teacher at the university's Foreign Chinese Teaching Department, explained;

“The activity will help promote our national festivals across the world,” said Mr Hu.

Although many of the students struggled to master the dexterous finger skills necessary to effectively wrap zongzi, they nonetheless thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.

“Wrapping zongzi is much more difficult than it looks,” said Owen from the United States who was certainly grateful for the oversight of the local chefs who offered tips and helpful guidance.

Zongzi, which are triangular in shape and sometimes called rice dumplings, have been eaten on the fifth day of the Chinese lunar calendar for centuries. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients from salty eggs to red bean and dates.