During the Dragon Boat Festival, the air is filled with the aroma of zongzi, and dragon boats race across the water.

The Dragon Boat Festival holds a central place in Chinese culture, with a profound history and rich heritage. It is one of the four major traditional festivals of the Chinese people, dating back over 2,000 years. Although customs vary by region, the festival’s unique rituals—deeply rooted in Chinese cultural traditions—such as making zongzi, dragon boat racing, hanging mugwort, and tying five-colored threads, embody the poetic spirit of perseverance and unity. These practices create a shared cultural memory, strengthening the bonds of the Chinese nation.

It has been noted that the continuous development of civilization requires both passion across generations and adaptation to modern times. Last year, the thrilling dragon boat races in Foshan Nanhai, known as the «Formula 1 of Water,» attracted over 200,000 spectators and tourists. Meanwhile, the Guangzhou Opera House produced China’s first realistic dance drama themed on dragon boats, «Dragon and Boat,» showcasing the spirit of modern Chinese youth striving for national pride. The fusion of tradition and modernity drives the creative evolution of Chinese culture, allowing the Dragon Boat Festival to shine brightly in the ever-flowing river of heritage.

The Dragon Boat Festival is also the first Chinese festival to be inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. While rivers across the country buzz with dragon boat fever, countries like Germany, Serbia, and Argentina have also embraced the tradition, hosting races that draw international participants. As a hallmark of China’s intangible cultural heritage, the festival has become a globally recognized symbol of Chinese culture, showcasing its profound legacy and unique charm 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 commemorates 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 has a history of over 2,000 years and is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

zongzi

Zongzi are traditional Chinese sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, typically filled with ingredients like meats, beans, or dates. They are most famously eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival), which commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest and for whom zongzi were originally thrown into the river to feed his spirit. Today, they symbolize cultural heritage and family unity.

dragon boats

Dragon boats are traditional long, narrow canoes decorated with dragon heads and tails, originating from ancient China over 2,000 years ago. They are central to the Dragon Boat Festival, which honors the poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest, and villagers raced boats to save him. Today, dragon boat racing is a global sport and cultural activity, celebrating teamwork and tradition.

mugwort

Mugwort (*Artemisia vulgaris*) is a perennial herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine, cooking, and cultural rituals across Europe, Asia, and North America. Historically, it was believed to have protective and healing properties—used in ancient European folk traditions to ward off evil spirits and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for moxibustion therapy. Today, it remains popular in herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and as a culinary ingredient in dishes like Korean *ssuk* rice cakes.

five-colored threads

«Five-colored threads» (五彩线, wǔcǎi xiàn) are a traditional Chinese cultural symbol, often associated with festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu). These brightly colored threads—typically red, yellow, green, blue, and black—are tied around wrists or ankles to ward off evil spirits, promote health, and bring good luck. The custom dates back centuries and is rooted in ancient Chinese folklore and beliefs about the protective power of colors.

Foshan Nanhai

Foshan Nanhai, located in Guangdong Province, China, is a historic district known for its rich cultural heritage and economic vitality. It was a key part of ancient Foshan, a major center for ceramics, martial arts (notably the birthplace of Wing Chun), and Cantonese opera. Today, Nanhai is a modern urban area that blends traditional Lingnan culture with rapid industrial development.

Guangzhou Opera House

The Guangzhou Opera House, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is a modern cultural landmark in Guangzhou, China, completed in 2010. Its futuristic, flowing design resembles two pebbles by the Pearl River, symbolizing harmony between urban development and nature. Hosting world-class performances, it has become a hub for arts and a testament to Guangzhou’s vibrant cultural scene.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list was established in 2008 to safeguard and promote traditions, practices, and expressions deemed culturally significant, such as music, dance, rituals, and crafts. It highlights living heritage passed down through generations, emphasizing community identity and diversity. The list includes over 600 entries worldwide, from Japanese Kabuki theater to Brazilian Capoeira, ensuring their preservation for future generations.