Dragon Boat Festival is a time to celebrate and have family fun for all

Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar — May 30 this year — is one of the four most important traditional holidays in China. This festival is celebrated with various folk activities to wish for good health and long life.

The 10-day Chongming Dragon Boat Festival attracted many visitors and locals. People were very excited to participate in various events including making zongzi (dumplings of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves), making and hanging scent sachets, drinking xionghuang jiu (realgar wine), TCM learning, flying dragon-shaped kites, recital contest, “village talents” contest, watching dragon dance contest, dragon boat race and go fishing with hand nets in the pond.The themed events, featuring history, traditional culture, food, ecology and health, were held in venues including Mingzhu Lake, Xincheng Park, Chongming Middle School and Xilai Manor.

The 6th Mingzhu Lake Dragon Boat Race attracted many sports lovers. The players were put into 21-people teams and five-people teams. There were companies, families, communities, friends or couples.

The freshwater Mingzhu Lake in the southwestern part of the island covers four square kilometers. Visitors can fish in designated areas. Baskets, fishing poles, nets and waders are provided. You can also appreciate the rose garden at Xilai Manor.