China’s Dragon Boat Festival, known as 端午节 (Duānwǔ Jié) in Mandarin, is one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in Chinese culture. Steeped in history and rich in tradition, this festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, offers a vibrant tapestry of customs, rituals, and festivities.
The 2025 Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Jie) falls on May 31. Chinese people can enjoy three days off work, from May 31 to June 2.
Origins and Legends: Qu Yuan
The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival can be traced back over two thousand years to the Warring States period in ancient China. One of the most enduring legends associated with the festival revolves around the poet and statesman Qu Yuan (屈原).
Qu Yuan, a loyal minister of the Chu kingdom during the Zhou Dynasty, was exiled due to political intrigue. Distraught by the fall of his kingdom, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in 278 BCE.
The local people, upon hearing of Qu Yuan’s sacrifice, raced out in their boats to rescue him, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings (zongzi) into the river to prevent the fish from devouring his body.
Thus, the traditions of dragon boat racing and eating zongzi emerged as ways to commemorate Qu Yuan’s death and to ward off evil spirits.
Top Traditions and Activities
Dragon Boat Racing
At the heart of the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations lies the exhilarating sport of dragon boat racing. Dragon boats are long, narrow boats adorned with colorful dragon heads and tails, symbolizing the mythical creature that is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The boats are typically manned by teams of rowers, with a drummer at the bow setting the pace and a sweep at the stern steering the boat.
Dragon boat races are held in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water across China and around the world during the festival. The races are not only a test of physical strength and endurance but also a celebration of teamwork, camaraderie, and Chinese cultural heritage.
Eating Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)
No Dragon Boat Festival celebration is complete without the consumption of zongzi, pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Zongzi are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, beans, salted egg yolks, and mushrooms, and then steamed or boiled to perfection.
The tradition of eating zongzi during the festival is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and serves as a way to honor Qu Yuan’s memory. The act of wrapping and cooking the dumplings is often a communal activity, bringing families and friends together to share in the joy of the festival.
Wearing Perfumed Sachets
Another tradition associated with the Dragon Boat Festival is wearing perfumed sachets, known as 艾草包 (ài cǎo bāo) in Chinese.
These small pouches, filled with aromatic herbs like mugwort, are believed to ward off evil spirits and disease. People wear them around their necks or tie them to their wrists or clothing for protection and good luck.
Hanging Calamus and Wormwood
Calamus and wormwood, known as 艾草 (ài cǎo) and 香草 (xiāng cǎo) respectively, are also commonly used during the festival. These aromatic plants are hung on doors, windows, and walls to purify the air and repel insects. Additionally, they are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring blessings to the household.
Drinking Realgar Wine or Xionghuang Wine
Realgar wine, also known as Xionghuang wine, is a traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage made by soaking realgar (a type of arsenic sulfide) in rice wine. Realgar is believed to have medicinal properties and is used to ward off evil spirits and prevent disease.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people drink realgar wine as a protective measure and to promote good health.
5-Colored Silk-Threaded Braid
Another traditional custom during the Dragon Boat Festival is the creation of a 5-colored silk-threaded braid. Five different colored silk threads are braided together to form a decorative braid, symbolizing unity, harmony, and good fortune. This braid is often worn as a bracelet or tied to objects as a talisman for protection and luck.
Dragon Boat Festivals in the United States for 2025
Here are some notable Dragon Boat Festivals in the United States for 2025:
Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival
Date: September 27, 2025
Location: Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee, KS
Details: Presented by GWN and the KC Pink Warriors, this festival blends culture and community with the excitement of competition. It’s an excellent opportunity for local groups to experience dragon boating.
Los Angeles County Dragon Boat Festival
Date: March 1, 2025
Location: Marina Del Rey, CA
Details: An early spring event featuring competitive races and cultural festivities in the scenic Marina Del Rey.
Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Gainesville, GA
Details: Celebrating its 28th year, this festival attracts over 10,000 attendees and features teams from across the U.S., combining racing with cultural performances.
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
Date: August 2, 2025
Location: Richmond, VA
Details: Known for its high-energy atmosphere, this festival offers a mix of community rivalry and team spirit, making it a lively event for participants and spectators alike.
Northern Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival
Date: August 16, 2025
Location: Sparks Marina, Sparks, NV
Details: Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, this festival offers stellar dragon boat racing conditions and a vibrant cultural experience.
Culture to Know 