BEIJING, 2nd June, 2025 (WAM) -- The Dragon Boat Festival commenced with vibrant celebrations across China as foreign tourists immersed themselves in the country’s rich traditions.
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, this year’s festival fell on 31st May. The holiday is marked by traditional customs including dragon boat racing and eating Zongzi – pyramid-shaped dumplings made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), this year’s festival has witnessed a significant rise in participation from international tourists. In Shanghai’s vibrant business district, both residents and visitors from various countries came together to prepare Zongzi.
"I learned that during the Dragon Boat Festival, people make Zongzi and row dragon boats, and I am very happy," said a tourist from Norway.
"We [have] a new experience with our traditional Chinese food, and this stuff is a very amazing experience to us," added another tourist from Sri Lanka.
At the Yongxing Fang scenic spot in Xi'an, the vibrant capital of Shaanxi Province, international students from various countries gathered to learn the art of Zongzi-making. Guided by skilled inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, they explored the traditions of this time-honoured craft, blending cultures and culinary discovery.
"I found it very interesting and it made me so happy because it was my first time making Zongzi," said an Egyptian student.