Expats try their hands at making moon cakes at a reception celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Sept 26. [Photo/xmnn.cn]
A reception in celebration of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival was held for expats in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province at Xiamen Software Park on Sept 26, aiming to promote traditional local culture and get people excited for the holiday.
The event was hosted by the Xiamen Foreign Professionals Service Center and the city's Belt and Road startup incubator, an international platform to help overseas entrepreneurs set up businesses.
More than 40 expats took part in the activity, during which they enjoyed a traditional tea art performance, tried their hands at making moon cakes, and played Bobing, an ancient game in southern Fujian province meaning "gambling for moon cakes".
William N Brown, a professor from the United States working at Xiamen University, explained the history of the Mid-Autumn Festival and traditional celebrations in southern Fujian province to attendees.
"I have been living in China for more than three decades, yet I’ve never attended such a rich and vibrant activity for the Mid-Autumn Festival," said Brown, who pointed that when living in an alien city, one should make an effort to learn about its history and culture.
Katsuhiko Iimori, head of the Xiamen office of All Nippon Airways Co, also spoke highly of the activity, stating that he had played the Bobing game before, but didn't know it originated in Xiamen.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
