The great Chinese civilization boasts a long and rich history. The Dragon Boat Festival is one of China’s four major traditional festivals, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Despite varying customs across regions, elements such as making zongzi, dragon boat races, hanging mugwort, and wearing five-colored threads are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. These unique rituals create a shared cultural memory of the Dragon Boat Festival among the Chinese people, strengthening the cultural unity of the Chinese nation. As expressed in a famous poem: «The road ahead is long and arduous, but I will seek and persevere.»

It has been emphasized that for culture to thrive, traditions must be preserved and passed down through generations while also innovating and adapting to the times. Last year, a spectacular dragon boat race in Foshan’s Nanhai district attracted over 200,000 spectators. The Guangdong Opera Theater created a contemporary dance performance titled «Dragon Boat,» depicting the story of a younger generation braving the waves for their country’s glory. This fusion of tradition and modernity fosters creative transformation and innovative development of China’s outstanding culture, allowing the ancient Dragon Boat Festival to flourish in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

The Dragon Boat Festival was the first Chinese festival inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. While dragon boat races take place nationwide, countries like Germany, Serbia, and Argentina also host competitions, attracting many international participants. As a distinctly Chinese festival, the Dragon Boat Festival represents Chinese culture, earning global recognition and admiration. It showcases the depth and unique charm of Chinese civilization to the world.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It honors the memory of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period who drowned himself in protest, and is marked by dragon boat races, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and other customs to ward off evil. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to traditions, practices, expressions, and knowledge that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage, passed down through generations. Established in 2003, the Intangible Cultural Heritage List aims to safeguard oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festivals, and crafts worldwide. This initiative highlights cultural diversity and promotes the importance of preserving living heritage for future generations.

Foshan’s Nanhai district

Foshan’s Nanhai District, located in Guangdong Province, is a historically and culturally significant area known for its ancient traditions and economic vitality. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, Nanhai was a key part of the Maritime Silk Road and remains famous for its Cantonese heritage, including lion dancing, ceramics, and martial arts (notably the legacy of Wong Fei-hung). Today, it is a thriving urban district blending historical sites like the Xiqiao Mountain with modern industrial development.

Guangdong Opera Theater

The Guangdong Opera Theater, located in Guangzhou, is a prominent cultural venue dedicated to preserving and promoting Cantonese opera, a traditional art form with over 300 years of history. Established in 1958, the theater showcases vibrant performances featuring elaborate costumes, distinctive singing styles, and acrobatic movements. It plays a key role in sustaining this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.

Dragon Boat

The Dragon Boat is a traditional Chinese watercraft used for dragon boat racing, a cultural practice dating back over 2,000 years to the Warring States period. The festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in protest, with races symbolizing the attempt to rescue him. Today, dragon boat festivals are celebrated worldwide, featuring vibrant races, drumming, and teamwork.

Germany

Germany, located in Central Europe, is a country with a rich and complex history spanning over two millennia. It was the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, a key player in both World Wars, and later divided during the Cold War before reunifying in 1990. Today, Germany is known for its cultural contributions, including music, philosophy, and engineering, as well as historic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle.

Serbia

Serbia, located in Southeast Europe, is a country with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and later the medieval Serbian Kingdom, which flourished under rulers like Stefan Dušan in the 14th century. It was a key part of Yugoslavia in the 20th century before becoming independent in 2006. Today, Serbia is known for its cultural heritage, including Orthodox monasteries like Studenica, vibrant cities such as Belgrade, and traditional festivals like *Exit*.

Argentina

Argentina, located in South America, is a diverse country known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities like Buenos Aires, and stunning natural landscapes, including the Andes Mountains and Patagonia. Historically, it was colonized by Spain in the 16th century and gained independence in 1816, developing a unique blend of European and indigenous influences. Today, Argentina is famous for tango music, beef production, and landmarks such as the Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazú Falls.