Dragon Boat Festival（Hangzhou Xixi International Dragon Boat Festival ）

As the early summer sun reflects off the tranquil waters of Xixi Wetland, the rhythmic beat of drums and cheers of spectators fill the air. Every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Hangzhou's Xixi National Wetland Park transforms into a vibrant arena for the Xixi International Dragon Boat Race. This unique event, set against the backdrop of one of China's rare urban wetlands, offers visitors a chance to witness the perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern sportsmanship, all while immersed in the lush beauty of nature just 5 kilometers from the famous West Lake.

Xixi Dragon Boat Race

Viewing from Tea Pavilions

Zongzi (Rice Dumpling) Making

Wetland Exploration

The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu in Chinese, has a history stretching back over 2,000 years. It commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest government corruption. Legend has it that local people raced out in boats to save him and threw rice dumplings into the water to prevent fish from eating his body.

Xixi Wetland has been celebrating this festival for over 1,000 years, with records of dragon boat races dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). For the people of Hangzhou, this festival is a time to honor tradition, showcase their cultural heritage, and celebrate the natural beauty of the wetlands. It serves as a reminder of the area's rich history and the importance of preserving both cultural traditions and natural environments in the face of rapid urbanization.

The cultural significance of this festival has been internationally recognized, with its inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. UNESCO praised the Dragon Boat Festival for "strengthening family bonds and establishing harmonious relations between humans and nature." It was also highly regarded for "promoting the expression of imagination and creativity, contributing to a vivid sense of cultural identity." This recognition has led to increased international awareness and strengthened efforts to protect and pass on the Dragon Boat Festival traditions.

The Xixi Dragon Boat Festival, which I stumbled upon during a work photoshoot in Hangzhou, became the highlight of my business trip to China. My heart raced as I watched the boats slice through the wetlands and heard the powerful chants of the paddlers echoing across the water. Enjoying Longjing tea with locals in a tea pavilion was a special experience, with the scent of the wetlands mingling with the tea's aroma. In the evening, I joined in making zongzi, where a young girl next to me helped, and I was moved by her grandmother's stories about Qu Yuan. I realized this festival is more than just a competition; it's a story passed down through generations. Next time, I want to study more Chinese to capture the soul of this festival with my heart.

• Xixi Wetland is home to over 126 species of birds, creating a unique backdrop of natural sounds during the races.
• The longest dragon boat used in the Xixi festival is an impressive 30 meters long and requires over 50 paddlers to maneuver.
• In 2018, the festival set a local record for the largest number of zongzi made in one day, with over 10,000 dumplings prepared and shared among participants and local charities.
• The tea served in the viewing pavilions comes from the nearby Longjing tea plantations, considered some of the finest green tea producers in China.
• Some of the wooden walkways used by spectators to view the races are built on ancient Song Dynasty pathways, connecting modern visitors directly with history.

The Hangzhou Xixi International Dragon Boat Festival is typically held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.