Dragon Boat Festival

Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan with dragon boat races, sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), and rituals to ward off evil spirits. It’s a vibrant event rooted in Chinese folklore, observed widely across the country and in Chinese communities worldwide. In 2026, it falls in June.

What people do in China

sport

Dragon Boat Paddling

Teams train to paddle in unison in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads, requiring strength and coordination. This sport is central to the festival’s competitive spirit.

intermediate

craft

Zongzi Wrapping

Wrapping sticky rice in bamboo leaves to create zongzi is a traditional culinary skill, often taught by elders. It involves precise folding to ensure the dumplings hold during steaming.

beginner