How Has the Thousand-Year-Old Dragon Boat Tradition Made Its Way Overseas?
Before and after the Dragon Boat Festival, lively “dragon boat scenes” appear across China, with dragon boats racing through the waves, becoming a beautiful sight during the festival. As a traditional Chinese sport, dragon boat racing is very popular abroad. From the “dragon boat meals” of the Southeast Asian Chinese community to the dragon boat races in Victoria Harbour, Cape Town, South Africa, from the dragon boat training camps of the Argentine Chinese community to the Chinese dragon boat clubs in Italy, how has the thousand-year-old dragon boat carved a unique path overseas?
The interview transcript summary is as follows:
Question: From a traditional Chinese folk activity to a popular sport, what stages has the spread of dragon boat racing gone through? What factors have driven its landing overseas?
Dragon boat racing has mainly gone through four stages: it originated during the Warring States period, carrying the meaning of sacrificial blessings, and gradually became folk
About: Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a major natural harbor located between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. Known for its deep, sheltered waters, the harbor has played a significant role in the development of Hong Kong as a global trade center since the 19th century. Today, it is famous for its breathtaking skyline views and is a popular spot for tourism and major public shows, including the annual fireworks display on Chinese New Year and the Symphony of Lights, a nightly multimedia show.
About: Cape Town
Cape Town, located on the southwest coast of South Africa, is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Table Mountain and picturesque beaches. Founded in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East, it is the oldest urban area in South Africa. Today, Cape Town is a vibrant multicultural city that attracts tourists from around the world, renowned for its rich history, diverse cultures, and exquisite landscapes.
