The International Services Shanghai one-stop service station at Terminal 2 of Pudong airport features decorations inspired by dragon boats, herbal sachets, and other Dragon Boat Festival traditions. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Shanghai has rolled out the red carpet for international arrivals this Dragon Boat Festival, with its three one-stop service stations at Pudong and Hongqiao airports offering a cultural immersion that begins the moment travelers step off the plane. The festive program, which runs through June 21, features traditional customs and interactive sessions on traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, designed to give visitors a warm and authentic Chinese welcome.
The three service stations, run by International Services Shanghai, have been transformed with vibrant decorations, including dragon boat motifs and fragrant herbal sachets, creating a festive atmosphere in the arrival halls. At the main activity area in Terminal 2 of Pudong airport, passengers are invited to participate in baduanjin, a traditional Chinese fitness routine. Instructors are on hand to guide travelers through the gentle stretching movements, offering a unique way to rejuvenate after a long-haul flight.
Kai Hofmaenner from Switzerland, the one millionth visitor received by the International Services Shanghai airport stations, practices baduanjin under the guidance of an instructor. [Photo by Xu Feiyi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Among those taking part was Kai Hofmaenner from Switzerland.
"It's really relaxing, especially after a flight," he said of the exercise. Little did he know, his arrival would mark a significant milestone. On June 18, Hofmaenner became the one millionth visitor the three airport service stations have accumulatively received since they opened, and he was presented with a special Dragon Boat Festival gift package to commemorate the occasion.
Beyond the physical exercise, the activities provide a sensory introduction to Chinese herbal culture. Staff are explaining the properties of various Chinese herbs and assisting travelers in selecting ingredients to create their own personalized sachets.
For Nasser Almansouri from the United Arab Emirates, the experience was particularly aromatic. He said he has custom made the sachet for his wife, which features a fragrance that he personally much enjoys. Brandon Dodds from New Zealand opted for a mosquito-repellent sachet, describing its ginger-like scent as "distinctive".
Meghdad Abdi introduces traditional Chinese medicine to an international traveler. [Photo by Xu Feiyi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Adding an expert touch to the proceedings is Meghdad Abdi, an Iranian staff member from Yueyang Hospital. Abdi, who came to China in 2016 to study TCM at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, now works in the hospital's international medical department. He explained to travelers how herbal products can fit into daily life.
He said activities such as making herbal sachets and bracelets offered an accessible introduction to traditional Chinese medicine.
"These activities help people learn about herbal products, which are not medicines but items they can use in daily life," he added.
High-tech TCM is also on display. An Integrated TCM Four Diagnostics System is drawing crowds, using principles of facial analysis to quickly generate easy-to-read health reports for curious travelers.
International arrivals pose for a photo at the International Services Shanghai one-stop service center donned with Dragon Boat Festival-themed decorations. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The airport welcome is part of a broader initiative by International Services Shanghai to enhance the visitor experience. Since launching its first one-stop service station in June 2024, International Services Shanghai has expanded the service to four locations. Beyond the three airport hubs, a fourth station operates at Jing'an Global Connect in the city's downtown Jing'an district, which has recently introduced short classes on Dragon Boat Festival culture and wellness service guides to encourage deeper exploration.
All stations provide support in seven languages, assisting international travelers with practical needs such as payment, transportation, tourism, and communications.
As for the milestone visitor, Hofmaenner has big plans for his stay in Shanghai. He said he is looking forward to visiting Shanghai Wild Animal Park to interact with red pandas, and he hopes to try local culinary delights such as braised pork belly and experience a traditional-style banquet with cultural performances.
Xu Feiyi contributed to this story.
A traveler experiences the Integrated TCM Four Diagnostics System. [Photo by Xu Feiyi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Herbal medicines are presented as ingredients for international visitors to make personalized sachets. [Photo by Xu Feiyi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Brandon Dodds from New Zealand selects ingredients to make a sachet. [Photo by Xu Feiyi/chinadaily.com.cn]
