Over 40 Expatriates Make Dumplings at a Community Event in Tianjin

More than 40 expatriates from countries including Russia, India and Pakistan gathered in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area on Saturday for a community event promoting cultural exchange ahead of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

The event, held in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area, opened with a documentary on the cultural symbolism of dumplings as a dish of reunion in Chinese tradition. Volunteers then demonstrated how to prepare Tianjin-style lamb and zucchini dumplings, guiding participants through seasoning and wrapping techniques.

“I wanted to share the authentic taste of Tianjin with our international friends,” Cao, one of the volunteers, said. “Food is the best way to bridge cultures and help people remember the warmth of our community.”

The gathering concluded with a multicultural performance showcase, including a Korean ethnic dance team’s rendition of Jasmine Flower on the gayageum (a traditional zither), erhu performances of festive melodies, and excerpts from classic Peking operas The Butterfly Lovers and The Banquet.

Muhammad Kashif, a Pakistani doctoral student at the Tianjin University of Science and Technology, expressed his enthusiasm: “Having lived here for two years, events like this truly help us understand Chinese culture. We get to participate in traditions, taste authentic food, and experience the openness of Binhai New Area.”

Zhang Ming, deputy Party Secretary and director of TEDA’s Street office, emphasized the broader significance: “As Tianjin’s important international window, we’re committed to building bridges between cultures. We want expatriates to not just live here, but to truly understand and love our community, and through that, build stronger international friendships.”

TEDA is the city’s principal portal for foreign exchange and cooperation, Zhang said. By creating a “doorstep” platform for international exchange, the event helped residents from home and abroad deepen mutual trust, strengthen friendships, and become members of the same community family.