A mid-year journey through the 12 seasonal customs at Prince Kung's Palace Museum

Fifth lunar month: Dragon Boat Festival at Prince Kung's Palace

The Dragon Boat Festival was held in high esteem in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) princely residences, infused with rituals and customs meant to invoke blessings and ward off misfortune.

Pu Xinyu (1896-1963), the last member of the Qing imperial family to live in Prince Kung's Palace, was renowned for his artistic talent, particularly his portrayals of Zhong Kui – a Taoist deity in Chinese mythology believed to dispel evil. His works gave rise to many unique and innovative interpretations of this guardian figure.

During the festival, the palace was adorned with gourd-shaped window paper-cuts, images of Zhong Kui, potted calamus plants, and refined scholarly decor, creating an atmosphere both protective and elegant.

The grand festive banquet at Prince Kung's Palace featured zongzi – glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in fragrant bamboo (or reed) leaves – alongside seasonal fruits like cherries, mulberries, water chestnuts, peaches, and apricots, bringing the vibrant tastes of early summer to the princely table.