As the Lunar New Year celebrations draw to a close, the Lantern Festival marks the culminating peak of festive reunions. The Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation partnered with the Xia-Hai City God Temple to host the "Year of the Snake: Welcoming Prosperity and Joy" event, inviting visitors to Dadaocheng to experience the joy of hand-shaking yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls) and welcome a blessed new year. Bringing together international travelers and local residents, the Foundation blended traditional customs with cultural heritage through hands-on crafting, allowing every participant to experience festive warmth and genuine community care.

On-site, skilled Hsin Tung Yang staff stepped into the role of master artisans, guiding participants step-by-step through authentic yuanxiao-making techniques. Locals and tourists enthusiastically engaged in every stage—from rolling the fillings in glutinous rice flour to rhythmically shaking the bamboo baskets—witnessing the treats take shape from scratch. When participants hesitated during unfamiliar steps, Foundation team members provided immediate support and guidance, encouraging children to ask questions freely. Through this process, youth not only learned how yuanxiao are made, but also cultivated focus, patience, and the confidence to overcome challenges.

To deepen cultural understanding, an interactive "Lantern Festival Riddles" session invited participants to explore questions like "Why do we eat yuanxiao?" and "What is the origin of carrying lanterns?" This interactive format transformed cultural heritage from abstract knowledge into an engaging, lived experience. Every hand-shaken yuanxiao represented a sense of accomplishment, symbolizing completeness and fulfillment built from the ground up. Watching their handmade yuanxiao boil and roll in the pot brought radiant smiles to participants' faces, creating cherished memories for the festival.

Every hands-on learning opportunity provides essential nutrients for youth growth, while the yuanxiao workshop fostered appreciation and identification with traditional culture among both locals and international visitors. Moving forward, the Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation will continue advancing its core mission of "Culture × Education × Public Welfare," enriching festive initiatives that combine heritage preservation, educational inspiration, and social care to ensure warmth and positive energy continue to reach every corner of the community.