A host of fun activities in the run-up to the Dragon Boat Festival were held in Bencha ancient town in Rudong county – administered by Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province – on May 31.

They were co-sponsored by the publicity department and the cyberspace affairs office of the Nantong municipal Party committee and the civilization office and foreign affairs office of the Nantong municipal government.

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of China's oldest traditional celebrations. With its rich cultural values and great cultural significance, it is observed in many other countries and regions in addition to China.

Bencha ancient town, originally built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), attracts hordes of visitors who get into the swing of things through the various activities. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A performance is staged at the Minghai Theater, showcasing Bencha and promoting Dragon Boat Festival culture through song, dance and recitations, among other things. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Ten expats living and working in Nantong were invited to participate in the event in Rudong, to experience the culture.

Beatrice, a music teacher at Nantong University who comes from Italy, said that she had been in Nantong for over a year but had never had a chance to experience a Chinese traditional festival up close before.

Italian music teacher Beatrice is enchanted with the traditional Dragon Boat Festival customs. [Photo/ntfabu.com]