Dragon Boat Festival – the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. This Chinese national holiday is best known to commemorate Zhou dynasty minister and prolific poet Qu Yuan. Today, it has become a lively annual tradition paying respects to China’s history and bringing health and good fortune.
1）Watch a Boat Race
Dragon boat races are the festival’s most iconic tradition. This weekend, boat races are taking place not only in China but all over the world. Watching these long, majestic paddle boats battle it out is truly a sight to behold.
2）Eat a Zongzi
These traditional treat are made with sticky rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. If you’re in the north, zongzi are generally sweet, with fillings of red bean paste and tapioca. Southern zongzi are more savory and are filled with a variety of meats, shiitake mushrooms, and salted duck eggs. Yum.
Of course, the best zongzi are homemade. Preparing the treats with friends and family is an essential Dragon Boat Festival tradition.
3）Hang a Leaf
A popular activity is to hang fragrant calamus and mugwort leaves over doors to ward off flies, mosquitoes, and summer sickness. This is usually accompanied by a general house cleaning. What better way to celebrate the holiday than with a clean, healthy home?
4）Wear a Pouch
Don one of these vibrant but practical bags around your neck to get into the festival spirit. The multicolored, sweet-smelling bags are used for warding off evil – and also insects.
5）Attend a Local Event
Dragon Boat festivities are taking place all over the country. Plenty of events are available for locals and expats alike. Browse your local classifieds to find boat races, zongzi-making events, and parties in your city.
6）Travel
As most savvy expats know, Chinese national holidays are great opportunities to get out of the country for a while. Grab a plane ticket to a nearby destination, enjoy your day off, and avoid the Mainland China crowds. Since the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated worldwide, there’s a good chance you’ll find some activities no matter where you go.
