Group photo of participants in the event.

On the afternoon of February 10, just before China’s traditional Lantern Festival, a unique “Joyful Lantern Festival Celebration” was held in Jinchuang Community, Meishan Subdistrict, Ningbo.

The Meishan Border Inspection Station in Ningbo invited more than 20 crew members from countries and regions including India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Poland to join residents in making tangyuan (glutinous rice dumplings), dumplings, guessing lantern riddles, and tasting fruits grown in saline-alkali soil—immersively experiencing the local customs of Meishan Island and feeling the charm of China’s traditional festival culture.

Officers cooking tangyuan together with international seafarers

Listening to stories, visiting the exhibition hall, and exploring the cultural roots of the "Ningbo Bang"

The first stop of the event was a visit to the Ningbo Gang Museum, led by border inspection officers. The museum’s exhibits of business history, maritime trade artifacts, and the development of modern industries vividly displayed the Ningbo merchants’ spirit of innovation and perseverance passed down through generations. During the tour, Officer Cheng Hui served as the interpreter, telling the story of the Ningbo Gang in fluent English to the international seafarers.

Jimenez Rodel, a Filipino crew member, said with emotion: “It’s touching that these famous figures were born here and, after achieving success, returned to give back to their hometown.”

Making tangyuan and dumplings, tasting the flavour of the Chinese New Year

With translation and instruction from the border inspection officers, the seafarers eagerly learned how to make tangyuan and dumplings. Kneading glutinous rice flour dough into small pieces, shaping them like bowls, filling them with lard and sesame paste, sealing and rolling them into smooth balls—a perfect handmade Ningbo tangyuan was complete.

Although the seafarers’ techniques were a bit clumsy, their enthusiasm was high, and the venue was filled with laughter. When steaming bowls of hot tangyuan and dumplings were served, they gave thumbs-up and praised Ningbo’s delicacies.

The aroma of dumplings blended with the warmth of the Lantern Festival. “This is my first time celebrating the Lantern Festival in China. I learned how to make tangyuan, and it feels so special and heartwarming,” said RAJU THEEVATH, an Indian crew member from the vessel Matson Maui.

Guessing lantern riddles and hanging lanterns, feeling the cultural charm

In addition to making tangyuan and dumplings, the seafarers actively joined the lantern riddle guessing activity. “A flock of snow-white geese, swimming across the lake, their beaks pass by your door, their bellies rest by your door. (Guess a food)…” The crew members exercised their “super brains”—some gestured with their hands, some discussed with each other, guessing with excitement. The fun and unexpected answers often sparked bursts of laughter.

These witty riddles not only tested the seafarers’ Chinese skills but also deepened their understanding of traditional Chinese culture. "Chinese traditional culture is very interesting. I especially like the lantern riddle segment,” said ARDAMIL ROMMEL, a Filipino crew member. “This event gave me a deeper understanding of the city of Ningbo, and I hope to have the chance to visit again in the future.”

Source: Yongpai
Contributors: Wei Liang, Luo Chao, Lei Bingrong
Editor: Ye Ke