I’ve always loved how festivals bring people together, and the Duanwu Festival—also known as the Dragon Boat Festival—is no exception. It’s a traditional Chinese holiday that lands on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually means late May or June in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, the Chinese Dragon Boat Day falls on Friday, 19 June, with a three-day public holiday running through to Sunday, 21 June. I’ve marked the dates in my calendar because it’s one of those celebrations that’s full of heart, colour, and some seriously fun traditions.

The Chinese Duanwu Festival is actually one of the four major traditional Chinese holidays, alongside Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, and Mid-Autumn Festival. I was fascinated to learn that it honours Qu Yuan, a famous poet from ancient China. People celebrate by racing dragon boats, sharing sticky rice dumplings called zongzi, and spending time with loved ones. I’ve always found the energy around this festival really infectious—watching the boats glide through the water to the beat of the drums makes the whole day feel alive.

I used to think the Chinese Duan Wu Festival was simply about the legendary poet Qu Yuan, and I wasn’t alone—many believe that the Dragon Boat Festival is held to honour his death. Qu Yuan was a patriotic poet and minister who drowned himself in the Miluo River after being exiled for his strong beliefs. I found his story incredibly moving, especially knowing that people raced out in boats to save him or retrieve his body, which later inspired the famous dragon boat races. Over time, he became a national hero, and I’ve come to admire the way his legacy lives on during the Chinese Dragon Boat Day.

But as I read more about the festival, I discovered something surprising—the traditions around Duanwu Festival actually began long before Qu Yuan’s time. In ancient China, the fifth lunar month was feared and called the 'month of poison' because illnesses and epidemics spread easily in the early summer heat. I found it fascinating that what started as a medical festival—meant to ward off evil spirits and protect health—eventually became a cultural and patriotic one too. It gave me a whole new appreciation for how layered the Chinese Duanwu Festival really is.

One of the things I enjoy most about the Chinese Dragon Boat Day is the mix of lively tradition and heartfelt meaning. I always look forward to watching the dragon boat races—those long, narrow boats powered by rhythmic paddling and the steady beat of drums. There’s something about the way everyone moves together that’s just exciting to see. I’ve had the chance to watch races along rivers and lakes, and the festive mood is contagious. It’s not just about competition—it’s about remembrance, teamwork, and spirit.

Another tradition I love is eating zongzi, those tasty parcels of sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. I remember unwrapping my first one and being surprised by the different fillings inside—sweet, savoury, or a bit of both. Families often hang mugwort and calamus on their doors too, believed to keep away bad luck and illness. I’ve come to see the Duanwu Festival as a beautiful mix of health customs, community spirit, and storytelling, and every year I look forward to seeing how each place adds its own touch.

I’ve found that the Duanwu Festival is celebrated all across China, with the biggest and most exciting dragon boat races happening in cities like Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong. I was amazed to see how different regions add their own local flavour to the festival. Some places focus more on the boat races, while others highlight traditional food and performances. The races are usually held on rivers or lakes, where teams compete in long, colourful dragon boats—it’s such a thrilling sight! The Chinese Dragon Boat Day falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and in 2026, it’ll be on Friday, 19 June.

If you're keen to join in like I was, checking out local event listings or tourism boards made it easier for me to plan. Some places offer free entry to watch the races from public viewing areas, while others have special stands with reserved seating. I’d recommend arriving early—good spots fill up fast! I also noticed some events offer hands-on workshops, like zongzi making or painting dragon heads, which added to the fun.

When I started planning my visit around the Chinese Duanwu Festival, I was happy to learn that it usually comes with a three-day public holiday. In 2026, the holiday runs from Friday, 19 June to Sunday, 21 June, which gave me a perfect long weekend to enjoy the full experience of the Chinese dragon boat day. I found it just the right amount of time to take in the races, explore the local food stalls, and learn more about the customs behind this meaningful celebration.

I always look forward to eating zongzi—sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves with fillings like red bean, salted egg, or pork belly. I love how each bite reminds me of the rich stories behind the Chinese Duanwu Festival.

Watching the races on Chinese Dragon Boat Day gets my heart racing! The powerful paddling, beating drums, and cheering crowds make the whole experience unforgettable. I’ve even tried joining a community race once—it was harder than it looked but so fun.

I noticed many people hanging bundles of mugwort and calamus on their doors. I was told it helps drive away bad luck and illness during the hot summer months, which ties back to the festival’s ancient health traditions.

I gave realgar wine a try after hearing it's a traditional drink during Duanwu Festival. The taste was strong and herby, and people say it helps protect against disease and ward off evil spirits—something I found really interesting.

Before Dragon Boat Festival arrives, parents usually prepare perfume pouches for their children. They sew little bags with colorful silk cloth, fill the bags with perfumes or herbal medicines, and then string them shut with silk threads. The perfume pouches are said to protect them from evil.

I picked out a colourful perfume pouch filled with herbs and wore it during the festival. I loved the light scent, and I was told it brings good luck and keeps pests away. It also made a lovely souvenir!

My favourite part of the Duanwu Festival has to be the zongzi. I’ve tried both sweet ones filled with red dates and savoury ones stuffed with pork and salted egg—each version tasted delicious and comforting.

I tried salted duck eggs with my zongzi and found the creamy, salty yolk paired so well with the sticky rice. I was told it's a traditional combo during Chinese Dragon Boat Day.

I enjoyed cooling off with juicy fruits like lychees and watermelons during the hot festival days. It made snacking between events feel light and refreshing.

Though it’s more of a drink, I saw many people sipping small cups of realgar wine during meals. I gave it a go and felt like I was stepping into ancient tradition—definitely a unique part of the Chinese Duanwu Festival.

One thing I really enjoy during the Chinese Duanwu Festival is sending warm wishes to friends and family. I’ve learned that greetings for Chinese Dragon Boat Day are often full of poetic charm and thoughtful meaning. Whether spoken, messaged, or written on a card, they always bring a smile. Here are a few of my favourite ones to share:

Wishing you a career like a dragon boat — rapidly progressing, a family as sweet as red dates, and health that sticks to you like glutinous rice and doesn't fall off! Have a safe and sound Dragon Boat Festival.

I found this wish really charming—it blends the traditions of the festival with real-life hopes in such a heartfelt way.

May you be surrounded with alluring fragrance, and may you enjoy the sweet taste of dumplings. May you have a memorable Dragon Boat Festival.

I like sending this one because it always reminds people of the little joys—like the scent of freshly steamed zongzi—that make the Duanwu Festival feel special.

The green leaves of dumplings wrap up luck, enjoy the time of Dragon Boat Fest;

The long silk thread holds in health, no ills no shocks for a body of strength;

The fragrance of sweet dumplings airily floats, have a happy life many years long;

Duanwu blessings are offered up, wishing you peace and ease!

This one’s a bit longer, but I enjoy how it paints such a joyful picture of the Chinese duanwu festival through rhythm and rhyme.

May happiness be like a dumpling cord, tightly wrapped around you;

May health be like a dumpling leaf, enfolding to surround you;

May bliss like a burst of dumpling fragrance, enduringly encompass you.

I sincerely wish you a happy, healthy, and blissful Dragon Boat Festival!

I personally love this greeting—it feels warm and comforting, just like the festival itself.

Sending these greetings during the Chinese Dragon Boat Day always makes me feel more connected to the spirit of the celebration. Whether it’s through poetry, food, or a kind message, I’ve found the Duanwu Festival to be a time full of lovely traditions and thoughtful exchanges.

If you're thinking about experiencing the Chinese Duanwu Festival for yourself—whether it's watching the dragon boat races, trying local food, or joining the lively traditions—you can easily sort everything out on the Traveloka App. I found it really handy for booking attraction tickets, hotels, and flights all in one go. It made planning my trip around Chinese Dragon Boat Day much simpler. You can also find useful info, travel tips, and deals to help make the most of the celebration.