Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is named after the dragon boat races that are held on this day. One of the most famous places to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in China is Beihai Park in Beijing.
Beihai Park is a popular destination for Dragon Boat Festival celebrations, with thousands of locals and tourists flocking to the park to take part in the festivities. The park’s beautiful lake provides the perfect setting for the dragon boat races, which are the highlight of the festival. Teams of paddlers dressed in colorful outfits and traditional hats race their ornately decorated boats across the lake, cheered on by crowds of spectators.
In addition to the dragon boat races, there are many other activities and traditions associated with the festival. One of the most important is the eating of zongzi, a type of sticky rice dumpling that is wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with different ingredients, such as meat, beans, or egg. Beihai Park offers a variety of delicious zongzi for visitors to try, and there are also food vendors selling other traditional snacks and treats.
Another popular tradition during the festival is the hanging of sachets filled with fragrant herbs and other materials, which are said to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Visitors to Beihai Park can buy these sachets from vendors in the park and hang them on their bags or clothing.
Overall, Dragon Boat Festival in Beihai Park is a colorful and exciting celebration that offers a unique glimpse into Chinese culture and tradition. It is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the festive spirit of Beijing and to join in the fun of one of China’s most important cultural events.