In order to promote traditional Chinese culture and preserve Macao’s intangible cultural heritage, the Student Affairs Office of the Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) recently held a dragon’s beard candy making experience class. By visiting a local traditional old shop, students learnt about the skills involved in making the candy and got to know something more about Macao’s rich historical culture. In turn, the candy makers had an opportunity to pass on this special delicacy, and to enhance students’ knowledge and passion about one of Macao’s traditions.

Located in the old streets of Macao, the dragon’s beard candy master explained and demonstrated the techniques used to make the candies to students in his venerable shop.  Students were also invited to try making the candies.  The event attracted international students from Brazil, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe of the International Chinese Language Education and Public Administration programmes. Henrique, a student from Brazil, said that through the activity, he was able to experience the traditional culinary techniques of Macao, and deepened his knowledge of traditional Chinese dim sum. Moreover, for the students involved visiting Macao’s authentic and venerable stores helped to enhance their understanding of Macao’s history, and to better integrate into life in Macao. Yang, a visual arts student, said the event helped her to see another side of Macao.  She gained a deeper understanding of local culture, which provided her with new inspiration for her studies. The event also allowed her to meet students from different majors and cultural backgrounds to facilitate cultural exchange.

Macao Polytechnic Institute has always placed emphasis on cultivating students’ patriotism and love for Macao, encouraging students to actively participate in cultural education, national education and activities related to “love for the motherland and love for Macao”. The Student Affairs Office has organised many experiential activities based on Chinese traditions, and Macao’s history and culture, which allow students to relax, and to obtain more knowledge of history and culture. Moreover, these activities also enhance students’ sense of national identity and national pride, thus cultivating patriotic youth in Macao.

Students learning the art of making dragon’s beard candy under the guidance of a dragon’s beard candy master

MPI international students experience the fun of making dragon’s beard candy