Dragon Boat Festival Verified listing

The Dragon Boat Festival (also known as Duanwu Festival) is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated annually, usually in June, and is one of the most exciting and culturally significant events in Beijing. The festival is celebrated with a combination of dragon boat races, festive food, and ancient rituals that honour the memory of the famous poet and statesman Qu Yuan. While the festival takes place throughout China, Beijing hosts large-scale dragon boat races along the city’s rivers, with the Houhai area being a popular location for both locals and visitors to witness the exciting competitions. The event is free to attend, though some locations or special activities may charge an entrance fee.

The Dragon Boat Festival is most famous for its dragon boat races, where teams of rowers compete in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails. These races, which are both thrilling to watch and participate in, are a central part of the celebration and take place on rivers like the Beijing Canal and Shichahai Lake. Aside from the races, the festival also features various traditional activities, including knotting of colourful threads, making and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), and performing traditional rituals to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can also enjoy the lively atmosphere with cultural performances, martial arts displays, and local markets selling food, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a family-friendly event that is suitable for all ages, with many activities like the dragon boat races, cultural workshops, and the making of zongzi appealing to children and adults alike. The event usually lasts throughout the day, with the races and festivities typically occurring during the late morning and afternoon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture in Beijing, with its unique mix of thrilling sports, delicious food, and age-old customs. Whether you're a local resident or a traveller, the Dragon Boat Festival in Beijing offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates both athleticism and Chinese heritage.