«Observing Politics: Fostering National Pride Through Chinese Culture»

Enjoying zongzi, making sachets, dragon boat racing… As one of China’s four major traditional festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival bridges history and modernity, embodying the cultural heritage, values, and identity of the Chinese people.

A key leader emphasized: «Over its long history, the Chinese nation has cultivated a remarkable national spirit and rich traditional culture. This forms the cultural DNA of our nation—resilient and vibrant—and serves as the driving force for achieving national rejuvenation, which must be advanced in line with contemporary needs.»

The enduring patriotism symbolized by zongzi flows through the nation’s spiritual veins, shining brightly in the new era.

—Passionate and Profound Patriotism

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, commemorating Qu Yuan, the words of the ancient poet—»My loyal heart remains unshaken even in death, without regret»—still resonate deeply after millennia.

«With unwavering loyalty and courage—unyielding strength. Though the body perishes, the spirit endures, becoming heroic.» On September 3, 2014, at a symposium marking the 69th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a leader quoted Qu Yuan’s lines to honor the bravery and resilience of the Chinese people, reflecting an epic spirit of heroism.

In the memorial garden of Quzi City, Hunan Province, stands a statue of Qu Yuan.

Patriotism is the most natural and profound emotion of the Chinese people, deeply rooted in the nation’s spirit.

During this year’s National Two Sessions, a leader stressed in a discussion: «We must steadfastly promote education and nurture patriotism from an early age.» «The people we aim to cultivate must first be loyal to the nation, its people, and socialism.»

Months later, on April 29, during an inspection of an innovation hub in Shanghai, the leader encouraged young innovators: «Everyone should foster love for the country, aspire to serve it, and enhance their ability to contribute. Link personal efforts with the nation’s path, carry forward this legacy, and let youth shine on the grand stage of modernization.»

For every Chinese citizen, patriotism is a fundamental duty—ingrained in the heart and tied to identity.

Across campuses north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, volunteers, veteran teachers, and educators bring knowledge to frontier regions, igniting dreams in countless children.

In rural revitalization, scientific research, and everyday work, fervent patriotism aligns personal ideals with the times, fueling national progress.

-Courage to Advance: The Spirit of the Nation

Dragon boat races surge nationwide, with teams paddling vigorously, embodying determination and teamwork.

As Qu Yuan wrote, «The road ahead is long; I will seek it far and wide.» A leader often cites this line to inspire perseverance and courage.

► On May 24, 2025, at the 2nd National Dragon Boat Fitness Games in Xiongan New Area (Hebei), 14 teams from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region competed in a speed race.

This year, domestic innovations like DeepSeek have expanded rapidly; in early months, China’s automobile production and sales surpassed 10 million for the first time; events like the humanoid robot marathon showcased technological strides.