JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A dragon boat race and a series of Chinese cultural activities were held on Friday in the historic coastal city of Acre, northern Israel, attracting local residents and tourists.
More than a dozen local teams competed in the harbor, bringing a festive atmosphere of the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, to the ancient Mediterranean city.
On a beach outside Acre's ancient city walls, brightly painted dragon boats lined up, racing to the rhythm of drums and cheers.
Organizers said more than 100 participants from various age groups took part in the event.
Beyond the races, visitors explored traditional Chinese culture through exhibitions and interactive activities. At a booth featuring the making of scented sachets, a traditional item associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, visitors selected fabrics, filled the sachets with fragrant herbs, and sewed them by hand under the guidance of staff. Many participants took photos with their handmade creations.
David, a student from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told Xinhua in Chinese that it was his first time watching a dragon boat race in person.
"The race and the cultural activities were both very impressive," he said, adding that he looks forward to deepening his understanding of China through an upcoming university exchange program there.
Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng said that the event, co-organized with the Acre municipality, embodies the spirit of unity, perseverance, and striving for progress. It serves as a bridge for cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two nations, he said.
Xiao expressed hope that more Israelis would experience the charm of Chinese culture and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history and traditions through such activities.
Acre Mayor Ohad Segev said the dragon boat race has become one of the city's signature cultural events, showcasing Chinese culture and fostering mutual understanding and friendship among people from diverse backgrounds.
Located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, Acre is known for its rich cultural heritage. In recent years, its dragon boat races have become a distinctive platform for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Israel, contributing to growing friendship between the two peoples.■
