Anna, a Russian student from Zhejiang University of Technology, shows off her handmade zongzi. [Photo/Tide News]

International student volunteers from Zhejiang University of Technology gathered in Deqing, Zhejiang, to make zongzi (traditional rice dumplings) and send warm Dragon Boat Festival wishes to children receiving cancer treatment. (do we need to Italicize that?)

At the Jin'e Lake Community activity center, volunteers from countries including Ghana, Russia and Kazakhstan learned to wrap zongzi under the guidance of local residents. Though unfamiliar with the technique, they carefully folded bamboo leaves, filled them with glutinous rice and pork, and tied each dumpling with care.

"It's my first time making zongzi. It looks easy, but it's actually quite challenging," said Anna, a student from Russia. "I've eaten zongzi before, but making them for children in hospital makes this experience especially meaningful."

After being cooked, the steamed dumplings were packed and delivered to Xiaomanjia Restaurant, which has long provided customized meals for families of children in the hematology and oncology ward at the Moganshan Hospital Branch of Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. They became a special Dragon Boat Festival treat for the young patients.