Tag Archives: Dragon boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival – Myth meets competition and bursts into fun!

Posted on by

Beijing is one of China’s most spirited cities and no matter what time of year one visits, one will always discover something unique about the city. When looking for accommodation, a great option is Serviced Apartments in Beijing, which provide a home away from home for all guests. Of all the Serviced Apartments Beijing, consider a stay at the Ascott Raffles City Beijing. Modern, luxurious amenities and a convenient location in the heart of the lively city make this property an ideal option for business and pleasure visits alike.

June 12 marks the fifth day of the fifth month according to the lunar calendar this year, which means that China comes alive to celebrate a tradition that is millennia old: the colourful and competitive Dragon Boat Festival. Downtown Beijing bursts into a hotbed of activity, as the first boat race is launched from here, and many others at various other locations around the city and around the country. China takes a break every year to watch and participate in the boat races, munch on delicious zongzi (a soft rice dumpling) and heartily guzzle yellow wine. The races are a splendid sight as brightly coloured boats zip along the water, powered by up to 80 rowers cheered by a drummer and flag handler who stand on the prow. There is no limit on the number of boats that can compete and only one rule applies: the winner is the first team to claim the flag planted at the end of the course. An exciting, spirited day of competition and fun, the Dragon Boat Festival is a must-see experience if you happen to be in Beijing at the time.

 

Dragon boat Festival – Dragons, Tradition and good cheer

Posted on by

A tradition that has come forward 20 centuries as a religious ceremony and folk custom the Dragon Boat festival known as Duanwu is now a world renowned festival and is fast emerging an international sport. A dragon boat is a watercraft that is human powered and is built out of teak wood in differing shapes and sizes.

For the purpose of the festival these boats are decorated with ornate heads and tails of Chinese dragons. The festival is held in June and includes a number of customary activities. The Chinese have dumplings, rice and drink Realgar wine to celebrate before the race.

Celebrated in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia this festival, marks the dawn of summer in the region and according to Chinese tradition is the peak annual period of male energy. Hence the most powerful and masculine image of the Dragon is naturally associated with the festival. People hang icons of Shong Kui , Mugwort and Calamus and take long walks wearing scented bags of medicine. These activities are believed to keep evil spirits at bay and bring prosperity in to their lives.

It is no doubt pleasing, to see how Hong Kong celebrates the hottest month of the year in good cheer while unveiling culture and tradition. Thousands of people gather at Victoria Harbour to cheer on some of the best dragon boat athletes and to absorb the summer fun at the Dragon boat carnival.

To absorb the good cheer and the festivities around the time, it’s highly advisable to seek accommodation within city limits where it’s convenient for you to pop in and out of the colourful atmosphere without the hassle of travelling far. Plenty of 4 Star Hotel Hong Kong offer reasonable prices and comfortable lodging to travellers around festival time. However a Hong Kong Boutique Hotel that stands out a class part from the rest of the hotels is the Cosmo Hotel. A stylishly decorated hotel, equipped with state of the art conveniences this premise truly awakens the senses of its guests with its colour adorned walls and spacious suites. A perfectly vibrant place to reside in while you absorb the vibrant colours of Duanwu !