Dragon boat race (provincial intangible cultural heritage)

Dragon boat racing, known as the one necessary program people carry out during Dragon Boat Festival, has been popular since the Ming and Qing dynasty (1368-1912).  

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Rituals are usually held before the races. In Guangzhou, every family will give away rice wine to their dragon boat racer before the boat sets off, and the elders will dot the eye of the dragon for good fortune. At dusk, villagers cook a Dragon Boat Meal in a shared cauldron to spread the blessings of the dragon. 

The dragon boat races are subdivided into pure competition and performance. The former emphasizes physical abilities and perseverance, while the latter showcases techniques and art.

Share - WeChat