A Travel Guide to the Dragon Boat Festival (China)

Zongzi

Zongzi is a traditional treat enjoyed during the festival. It is a triangular package of sticky rice filled with various ingredients, all wrapped in bamboo leaves. The flavors vary widely, and you can choose from: Meat options like beef, pork, or ham

• Vegetable alternatives such as red bean, cabbage, nuts, or hard-boiled eggs

When celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in China, trying Zongzi is a must.

Zongzi are typically steamed, but you may also find boiled varieties. Opening them can be a bit messy, so it’s wise to have something to cover your fingers. The trick is to unwrap the leaf in one swift motion instead of picking at it slowly.

Dragon Boating

For many, the highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival is the thrilling dragon boat races. If you've seen the festival in a city, you’ve likely noticed the iconic ‘dragon heads’ adorning the boats. These races are incredibly exciting, especially when captured from above by flying a drone!

The races occur all over China, including: Major cities Hong Kong Various locations around the world

If you live in another country, keep an eye out for local events where you might be able to participate.

The best places to go

Beijing’s Xiadu Park

The biggest Dragon Boat race in China takes place in the capital, Beijing. However, due to the city's size, joining the actual racing can be more challenging than in other locations.

Make sure to arrive a few days early to enjoy the festivities at Xiadu Park, where the races and activities are held. The park often hosts additional events to immerse visitors in traditional culture, including: Temple fairs Rice dumpling-making competitions

Hangzhou’s Xixi Wetlands

Hangzhou is renowned for its stunning beauty, and any travel guide will tell you that it’s one of the best places to experience Dragon Boat races. Marco Polo famously described Hangzhou as “without a doubt the finest and most splendid city in the world.”

The Xixi Wetlands, located less than 5 km from the iconic Westlake, provide a picturesque backdrop for the races. The day is filled with traditional activities, including: Watching or participating in dragon boat races Making Zongzi

• Enjoying live performances, such as the Xixi Kungfu Show This is a place you won’t want to miss!

Suzhou’s Taihu Cowboy Country Club

Suzhou, often referred to as the Venice of China due to its intricate waterways, is located near Hangzhou. It’s an ideal setting for the Dragon Boat Festival.

The events take place next to the beautiful Taihu Lake, within a luxurious resort. If you’re looking to escape the city for a while, Suzhou might be the perfect option for you.

Guangzhou’s Yangji Village

In the southern part of China, just above Hong Kong, Guangzhou hosts an incredible Dragon Boat Festival celebration. Events here can last for around 20 days, featuring over 500 boats in the races.

The famous lake in Guangzhou serves as the venue for the festival. If you plan to stay longer, Wangjiang Dongguan also hosts various events for festival lovers, including: Zongzi making competitions Shows Historical exhibitions about the festival

Other places

China is incredibly welcoming, and if you want to get involved in dragon boat races, there are plenty of options. While the events listed in this guide are more professional, you can still participate if you sign up well in advance.

For those seeking a less serious competition, many universities hold their own smaller events where you can sign up on the day. Check them out or call ahead to find out more. You’ll be warmly welcomed!

Have you ever celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival? If so, what was your experience? Don’t be shy—please share it with us in the comments!