To provide international students with a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and the joy of experiencing the creation of traditional Chinese delicacies, the Chinese Language Training Center of School of International Education(SIE) at Dalian University of Technology organized a cultural practice activity themed around dumplings. On this day, students from various countries, including Belarus, North Korea, and Thailand, visited the Dalian Dumpling Museum for a combination of educational exploration and cultural immersion.

The international students commenced their journey by exploring the "World Dumpling Hall," gaining insights into the diverse forms and histories of dumplings across various countries. This experience allowed them to appreciate the versatility of dumplings as a universally cherished culinary creation within different cultures. Subsequently, within the "Chinese Dumpling Hall," the students received a presentation on the historical development and cultural significance of Chinese dumplings. The staff provided detailed explanations of the evolution of dumplings from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the present, the variations in dumpling forms across different regions, and the unique role of dumplings within Chinese culinary culture and traditional festivals.

In the practical segment, skilled dumpling masters guided the international students through the entire dumpling-making process, from kneading the dough and rolling out the wrappers to crafting the dumplings themselves. With active participation, the students experienced the joy of creating a delectable dish. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to tour the dumpling production workshop, delving into the technological and mechanical aspects of modern dumpling manufacturing. The staff showcased large-scale dough press machines, cutting-edge techniques for preserving the freshness of vegetables, and exclusive seasoning recipes. This exploration exposed the students to the modernized processing methods that align with contemporary development trends, deepening their understanding and appreciation of dumpling creation.

Finally, the students had the pleasure of savoring the dumplings they had handcrafted, sharing their achievements with each other. Reflecting on the activity, the students expressed its meaningfulness and the significant knowledge they gained. The event not only allowed the international students to delve into the cultural essence of traditional Chinese cuisine but also fostered cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and other countries. Through the engaging practical experience, the students gained an appreciation for the profoundness of Chinese traditional food culture. They also witnessed the vitality and dynamism of the evolving dumpling culture in China, which further enriched their understanding of the multifaceted aspects of Chinese culture. SIE will continue to promote various extracurricular activities of "Perceiving China", continuously exploring new ways to integrate culture with language teaching. This endeavor aims to provide international students with more opportunities and platforms to delve into and comprehend traditional Chinese culture while facilitating diverse cultural exchanges.