On the first day of the Duanwu Festival, Chengdu’s A-level tourist attractions welcomed 113,600 visitors.
On the first day of the Duanwu Festival, Chengdu’s cultural tourism market experienced unprecedented excitement as the city hosted its 9th International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival. In 2025, Sichuan Province organized a series of events, including the «Hundred Boats Welcoming Duanwu» performance, the Xinjin Dragon Boat Festival, the «Midsummer Dream» music festival featuring the Chengdu Children’s Choir, and the grand celebration of the 10th «Hundred Diseases Games in Hainanzhi on Duanwu.» These diverse activities attracted a large number of locals and tourists, immersing the entire city in a festive atmosphere. On the first day of the holiday, Class A tourist areas welcomed 113,600 visitors, marking an 11.7% increase compared to the previous year.
It is worth mentioning that on the 31st, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television covered the events of Chengdu’s 9th International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival. The diverse intangible heritage performances and folk activities enriched the national holiday experience for domestic and international tourists.
The 9th International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival of Chengdu added a vibrant highlight to the Duanwu celebrations. At the main venue in Chengdu’s International Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, locals and tourists immersed themselves in the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture through a rich array of intangible heritage experiences.
At noon, near the main entrance of the Five Continents Mutual Understanding Cultural Center, many spectators were deeply impressed by the rich and distinctive ethnic cultural atmosphere. Among the highlights was the Miao ethnic performance «Autumn of Eight,» making its debut in Chengdu and drawing a large audience from around the world.
Duanwu Festival
The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It honors the patriotic poet Qu Yuan (340–278 BCE), who drowned himself in protest against corruption, and is marked by dragon boat races, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and other customs to ward off evil. The festival, with over 2,000 years of history, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.
International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
The **International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival** is a global event dedicated to celebrating and preserving traditional practices, arts, and knowledge recognized by UNESCO. It showcases diverse cultural expressions such as music, dance, crafts, and rituals from around the world, promoting cross-cultural exchange. The festival highlights the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage for future generations, often featuring workshops, performances, and exhibitions.
Hundred Boats Welcoming Duanwu
«Hundred Boats Welcoming Duanwu» is a vibrant cultural celebration held during the Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) in regions like Zhejiang, China, where communities gather to race dragon boats and honor the ancient poet Qu Yuan. The event reflects centuries-old traditions, including zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and rituals to ward off misfortune. Its name symbolizes the festive spectacle of numerous boats competing, embodying unity and cultural heritage.
Xinjin Dragon Boat Festival
The Xinjin Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant cultural event held annually in Xinjin, Sichuan Province, China, celebrating the ancient tradition of dragon boat racing. Rooted in over 2,000 years of history, the festival honors the memory of the poet Qu Yuan and features thrilling races, traditional music, and local customs. It showcases the region’s rich heritage and fosters community spirit through lively competitions and cultural performances.
Midsummer Dream music festival
The **Midsummer Dream Music Festival** is an annual electronic dance music (EDM) event held in Ottawa, Canada, typically celebrating the summer solstice. Launched in 2014, it features renowned DJs and vibrant light shows, drawing crowds for a weekend of music and outdoor festivities. Inspired by midsummer celebrations, the festival combines modern EDM culture with the joyous, communal spirit of the season.
Hundred Diseases Games in Hainanzhi on Duanwu
The «Hundred Diseases Games» in Hainanzhi during Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival) is a traditional Hainanese custom where villagers engage in games and rituals believed to ward off illnesses and misfortune. Rooted in folk beliefs, the event includes activities like tug-of-war, martial arts, and symbolic offerings to cleanse the community of «hundred diseases.» It reflects the cultural importance of Duanwu as a time for health protection and communal harmony.
Chengdu’s International Intangible Cultural Heritage Park
Chengdu’s International Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, located in Sichuan Province, is a dedicated space showcasing global and Chinese intangible cultural heritage. Established in 2007, the park hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops to preserve and promote traditional crafts, music, and arts. It serves as a hub for cultural exchange, highlighting China’s rich heritage, including Sichuan opera, embroidery, and Tibetan Thangka painting.
Five Continents Mutual Understanding Cultural Center
The **Five Continents Mutual Understanding Cultural Center** is a cultural institution dedicated to fostering global exchange and mutual understanding among people from different continents. It promotes cultural diversity through exhibitions, workshops, and events that highlight traditions, arts, and histories from around the world. While specific historical details may vary, such centers often emerge from initiatives to bridge cultural gaps and encourage international cooperation in the modern era.
