Latest news with #DuanwuFestival
Malaysia Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
Drumbeats of fitness, tourism echo as dragon boats make waves across China
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- As May draws to a close, the rhythmic thud of drums and the roar of cheering crowds are once again echoing across rivers and lakes throughout China. Amid splashing water and synchronized chants, dragon boats surge ahead in fierce competition as Chinese people celebrate Duanwu Festival on Saturday this year. For millennia, dragon boat racing has remained at the heart of Duanwu Festival, China's first traditional festival inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This explains why it is better known globally as the Dragon Boat Festival. With origins tied to the death of Qu Yuan, a loyal statesman and patriotic poet from more than 2,000 years ago, this ancient tradition has become a modern phenomenon, boosting the popularity of both public fitness and cultural tourism. In Zhejiang Province on China's eastern coast, this evolution was on full display earlier this week during the region's inaugural farmers' dragon boat invitational, as 12 amateur village teams from across the province gathered in the Yinzhou District of Ningbo City. Yu Youfen, from the neighboring city of Zhoushan, stood on the sidelines, still catching his breath after the 500-meter race. For the past fortnight, his team members had been training after their day jobs. "Some of us work in factories, others in fish farming," the team leader said. "Passion for dragon boat racing gives us a reason to come together, to fight for our community's pride." Among the cheering crowd stood a local resident surnamed Chen. His five-year-old son was perched on his shoulders, shouting with the crowd as another boat sped past. "This is already his fifth time watching dragon boat races," Chen said. "He just told me he wants to join the race one day." Boat racing in Yinzhou dates back more than 2,200 years, as evidenced by the discovery of an ancient bronze axe adorned with an image of men in feathered hats racing boats. At the event, a new provincial training base for village-level dragon boat teams was inaugurated in Yinzhou, in a step toward expanding access and reinforcing grassroots participation in this age-old tradition. The scene in Zhejiang echoes a nationwide surge in mass sports enthusiasm -- a result of China's ongoing efforts to enhance public fitness, seen as a cornerstone of the country's long-term ambition to become a leading sporting nation and build a healthy China. While the most iconic races remain concentrated in the water-rich southern regions, dragon boat activities are gaining traction across the country. According to preliminary estimates, dragon boat races will be held in 25 provinces nationwide during the three-day Duanwu holiday from Saturday to Monday. In south China's Guangdong, long regarded as a stronghold of dragon boat tradition, local races began as early as May 1. Over 100 races are scheduled around the holiday period in the provincial capital of Guangzhou alone. Among the races will be the high-profile 2025 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. Set to be held on Sunday, the event, with a history of 40 years, will see the participation of 116 teams and over 4,000 competitors. Seven teams from Russia, the United States, Canada, Malaysia and Kazakhstan are expected to join the action. Meanwhile, in Beijing, the festival is being marked by a sports carnival of over 30 events extending beyond traditional boat racing to include paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities aimed at engaging the public in festive fitness. "The growing popularity of dragon boat racing is expected to attract more people to water sports, helping promote aquatic recreation across China," said Zhai Junshuai, general manager of a water sports club in the northern port city of Tianjin. Zhai also emphasized the potential of this dragon boat racing craze nationwide to invigorate the local economy, which is aligned with China's broader efforts to stimulate domestic consumption. National action plans released in March and April highlighted the integration of sports, culture and tourism as a strategic pillar, calling for more high-quality sports programs and distinctive events. Data from major travel platforms has showcased clear economic ripple effects. Tongcheng Travel reported a 270 percent week-on-week spike in searches for "dragon boat" as of May 19. Data from Group shows significant year-on-year growth in bookings for cities with dragon boat traditions. In Foshan, Guangdong, total travel orders rose 167 percent; in Miluo, Hunan Province, considered by many the birthplace of dragon boat culture, bookings jumped 85 percent. To capitalize on the enthusiasm, Guangzhou plans to host over 650 cultural and tourism events related to dragon boating during the holiday, enriching the city's offerings for visitors. More Chinese people are prioritizing health and leisure amid rising living standards, said Li Peigong, president of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. "A combination of sports and travel has become a go-to solution that caters to a wide range of needs." Meanwhile, observers underscore the need to further unleash the nation's sports consumption potential. "It is necessary to broaden access to fitness and sports programs nationwide. And teaching people how to play sports will be the first step to boost sports consumption," said Wang Yuxiong, head of the sports economics research center at Central University of Finance and Economics.
Malaysia Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
Across China: Drumbeats of fitness, tourism echo as dragon boats make waves across China
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- As May draws to a close, the rhythmic thud of drums and the roar of cheering crowds are once again echoing across rivers and lakes throughout China. Amid splashing water and synchronized chants, dragon boats surge ahead in fierce competition as Chinese people celebrate Duanwu Festival on Saturday this year. For millennia, dragon boat racing has remained at the heart of Duanwu Festival, China's first traditional festival inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This explains why it is better known globally as the Dragon Boat Festival. With origins tied to the death of Qu Yuan, a loyal statesman and patriotic poet from more than 2,000 years ago, this ancient tradition has become a modern phenomenon, boosting the popularity of both public fitness and cultural tourism. In Zhejiang Province on China's eastern coast, this evolution was on full display earlier this week during the region's inaugural farmers' dragon boat invitational, as 12 amateur village teams from across the province gathered in the Yinzhou District of Ningbo City. Yu Youfen, from the neighboring city of Zhoushan, stood on the sidelines, still catching his breath after the 500-meter race. For the past fortnight, his team members had been training after their day jobs. "Some of us work in factories, others in fish farming," the team leader said. "Passion for dragon boat racing gives us a reason to come together, to fight for our community's pride." Among the cheering crowd stood a local resident surnamed Chen. His five-year-old son was perched on his shoulders, shouting with the crowd as another boat sped past. "This is already his fifth time watching dragon boat races," Chen said. "He just told me he wants to join the race one day." Boat racing in Yinzhou dates back more than 2,200 years, as evidenced by the discovery of an ancient bronze axe adorned with an image of men in feathered hats racing boats. At the event, a new provincial training base for village-level dragon boat teams was inaugurated in Yinzhou, in a step toward expanding access and reinforcing grassroots participation in this age-old tradition. The scene in Zhejiang echoes a nationwide surge in mass sports enthusiasm -- a result of China's ongoing efforts to enhance public fitness, seen as a cornerstone of the country's long-term ambition to become a leading sporting nation and build a healthy China. While the most iconic races remain concentrated in the water-rich southern regions, dragon boat activities are gaining traction across the country. According to preliminary estimates, dragon boat races will be held in 25 provinces nationwide during the three-day Duanwu holiday from Saturday to Monday. In south China's Guangdong, long regarded as a stronghold of dragon boat tradition, local races began as early as May 1. Over 100 races are scheduled around the holiday period in the provincial capital of Guangzhou alone. Among the races will be the high-profile 2025 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. Set to be held on Sunday, the event, with a history of 40 years, will see the participation of 116 teams and over 4,000 competitors. Seven teams from Russia, the United States, Canada, Malaysia and Kazakhstan are expected to join the action. Meanwhile, in Beijing, the festival is being marked by a sports carnival of over 30 events extending beyond traditional boat racing to include paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities aimed at engaging the public in festive fitness. "The growing popularity of dragon boat racing is expected to attract more people to water sports, helping promote aquatic recreation across China," said Zhai Junshuai, general manager of a water sports club in the northern port city of Tianjin. Zhai also emphasized the potential of this dragon boat racing craze nationwide to invigorate the local economy, which is aligned with China's broader efforts to stimulate domestic consumption. National action plans released in March and April highlighted the integration of sports, culture and tourism as a strategic pillar, calling for more high-quality sports programs and distinctive events. Data from major travel platforms has showcased clear economic ripple effects. Tongcheng Travel reported a 270 percent week-on-week spike in searches for "dragon boat" as of May 19. Data from Group shows significant year-on-year growth in bookings for cities with dragon boat traditions. In Foshan, Guangdong, total travel orders rose 167 percent; in Miluo, Hunan Province, considered by many the birthplace of dragon boat culture, bookings jumped 85 percent. To capitalize on the enthusiasm, Guangzhou plans to host over 650 cultural and tourism events related to dragon boating during the holiday, enriching the city's offerings for visitors. More Chinese people are prioritizing health and leisure amid rising living standards, said Li Peigong, president of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. "A combination of sports and travel has become a go-to solution that caters to a wide range of needs." Meanwhile, observers underscore the need to further unleash the nation's sports consumption potential. "It is necessary to broaden access to fitness and sports programs nationwide. And teaching people how to play sports will be the first step to boost sports consumption," said Wang Yuxiong, head of the sports economics research center at Central University of Finance and Economics.
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Qu Yuan, Chinese patriot whose death is said to have inspired Dragon Boat Festival customs
This weekend many people celebrate the Duanwu Festival, also known as the Tuen Ng Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. The festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar, is observed by Chinese all over the world, as well as by Japanese, Koreans, Ryukyuans (or Okinawans) and Vietnamese. The festival has long been associated with the poet Qu Yuan (342–278BC). It is because of him, the legend goes, that we row dragon boats and eat zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves , during the festival. The only problem with this story is that the Duanwu Festival, or at least many of its customs, predate Qu. At some point in time, the Chinese probably appropriated him and events in his life, eventually putting Qu at the centre of the ancient festival. In a similar way, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were melded into pre-Christian festivals to give us our Christmas and Easter weekends. Qu Yuan, a poet and court adviser during the Warring States Period in ancient China, died by drowning himself in a river in 278BC. Qu was a patriot and brilliant poet in ancient China. Born into one of the noble families of the southern Chu state during the Warring States period, he served King Huai of Chu as a trusted adviser. He advocated alliances with other states to counter the expansionist ambitions of the powerful Qin state in the west. However, his reformist ideas and personal integrity provoked the envy and opposition of his rivals at the royal court, which led to his eventual exile.
The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Malta hosts first Duanwu Cup dragon boat friendship race
VALLETTA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Duanwu Cup dragon boat friendship race in Malta was held Saturday in the historic eastern Maltese city of Birgu to mark the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. Also known as the Duanwu Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it falls on May 31. The event was jointly organized by the China Cultural Centre in Malta, the Birgu Regatta Club, the Maltese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Community Association in Malta. Dubbed the Duanwu Cup, the event brought together dragon boat enthusiasts from both China and Malta to compete on the sparkling waters off the coast of Birgu. The race also attracted a lively crowd. As the rhythmic beats of a Chinese drum echoed along the waterfront, rowers paddled in unison, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators lining the shore. "We sincerely hope this becomes a yearly event, because it's important to be exposed to different cultures," said Audrey Randich, assistant secretary of the Birgu Regatta Club. She expressed hope that more boats would join future editions, adding, "It's always good to bring cultures together." Ian Mizzi, president of the Maltese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, described the event as both "exciting and meaningful." He had heard about dragon boat races before, but witnessing the spirit behind the tradition in person was truly special, he said. Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Centre in Malta, emphasized the broader significance of the event. "This race is not only a sporting exchange between dragon boat lovers from China and Malta, but also a new platform for cultural interaction," she said, adding, "It opens up further opportunities for cooperation in culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges."
The Star
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Feature: South Africa's Cape Town embraces Chinese culture with vibrant Dragon Boat Festival
CAPE TOWN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Cape Town embraced traditional Chinese culture on Saturday with its annual celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, making a splash in South Africa's legislative capital. The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, traditionally falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. It will be celebrated on May 31 this year. During the festival, people enjoy activities such as dragon boat races or eating Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) to commemorate Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and statesman of the Warring States period (475 B.C.-221 B.C.). Now in its third edition, Cape Town's two-day celebration culminated on Saturday in an exhilarating dragon boat race at Battery Park on the V&A Waterfront. Against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, 13 teams competed fiercely in 1,000- and 1,500-meter races, alongside crowd favorites like the water-based tug-of-war. Dong Gang, a leader in Cape Town's Chinese community and one of the event organizers, said this year's festivities expanded beyond the boat races to include a series of cultural booths that offered a deeper immersion into Chinese culture. Visitors explored Chinese calligraphy, traditional medicine, tea ceremonies, cuisine, and handcrafted art. Dong highlighted that one of the competing teams was made up entirely of local Chinese residents. "Being able to celebrate this festival together with the local people makes us truly feel that the spread of civilization is as gentle as water," he said. "A culture, as long as it is excellent, can transcend national boundaries and be embraced by others." He described the festival's growing influence as a point of pride for overseas Chinese. "The fact that the dragon boat tradition, which has been passed down in China for more than 2,000 years, can thrive at the southernmost tip of the African continent is something we overseas Chinese are proud of," Dong said. "Hosting this traditional festival in Cape Town serves as an important platform for dialogue among civilizations." Among those who joined the festivities were Chinese Consul-General in Cape Town You Wenze and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who both participated as drummers during the 1,500-meter dragon boat sprint. "It's absolutely wonderful. I've really enjoyed it. What a lovely day!" Hill-Lewis said after the race. He praised the festival as a valuable cultural exchange. "This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce more South Africans to the wonders and beauties of Chinese culture, history, fun traditions like this, and also foods and cuisine," said the mayor, noting that it helps civilizations connect and learn from each other, which is essential for building global unity. Consul-General You echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of intercultural engagement. "Cultural exchanges are the embodiment of world diversity. Civilizations and cultures do need to communicate and learn from one another," You said. "The growing popularity of the Dragon Boat Festival here in Cape Town shows that there is a foundation for exchanges among civilizations and cultures," he said. "It also highlights the distinctive charm and influence of China's traditional culture of dragon boat racing." He expressed hope that the festival would allow more South Africans to experience Chinese culture firsthand and deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples. Igsaan Salie, chairperson of the Cape Town Dragon Boat Association, noted that about 180 to 200 people attended this year's dragon boat race. "We started with about 120 and have grown every year-on-year," he said. Salie described the event as "overwhelming" in the best way. "It's possibly the most awesome thing that we've seen. The entire team, the overall, overarching response we've gotten from all of our paddlers, all of our team members, has been 'Wow.' It's just been a big 'Wow,' like the level of decoration, the level of authenticity that came with it has been amazing. And it's absolutely fantastic," he said. He emphasized the festival's role in bridging cultures. "It's possibly one of the greatest opportunities to just allow other people and different cultures to interact and show what we have in common, which is a lot more than what we have as a difference," said Salie. Reflecting on the broader significance of the event, Salie said, "I think the way we have conducted the event, which is intertwined with Chinese culture, has really facilitated a fantastic dialogue with Chinese culture in South Africa, and an understanding of how things are different and similar between the two different cultures."
