- 5th day of the 5th lunar month
- Usually in June
- Dragon boat races and zongzi
- China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
Where it began
The best known story is about Qu Yuan, a poet and minister in the state of Chu more than two thousand years ago. Legend says that after his state fell, he went into the Miluo River. People rowed out in boats to search for him and threw rice into the water so fish would not harm his body.
The boat races and rice dumplings are said to come from that day. Some scholars think the festival is even older, tied to summer rites to keep away illness and honour dragons, which were thought to bring rain.
How it grew over time
3rd century BCE
Qu Yuan lived and wrote poems in the state of Chu.
Ancient China
Summer customs to ward off illness, like hanging herbs on doors, were kept on this day.
Later dynasties
Dragon boat races became a big public event along rivers in the south.
2009
UNESCO listed the Dragon Boat Festival as intangible cultural heritage.
Today
Dragon boat racing is a sport held in many countries around the world.
How it is celebrated in different places
Southern China
Towns along rivers hold races with drums beating time for the rowers.
Hong Kong
Races fill the harbours and beaches with teams and cheering crowds.
Taiwan
Families try to stand an egg on its end at noon, a fun custom for good luck.
Singapore and Malaysia
Families make and share zongzi, also called bak chang.
Around the world
Cities in Europe, North America and Australia hold dragon boat races.
Dragon Boat Festival moments
Dragon Boat Festival today
Families wrap zongzi with sweet or savoury fillings, hang herbs like mugwort on doors and give children small scented pouches. Crowds gather by rivers to watch the colourful boats race.
