As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Guangdong is offering a series of special themed activities for you to explore.
The Dragon Boat Festival customs in Guangzhou are similar to those in other parts of China, including dragon boat racing, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and hanging mugwort on doors. Guangzhou boasts a rich dragon boat culture, with three major dragon boat associations organizing grand racing events every year. Moreover, the tradition of enjoying "dragon boat race" remains a cherished part of the local celebrations.
Delicious and refreshing zongzi (Photo: Nanfang Daily)
On June 1, the Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament will be held on the section of the Pearl River between the Square of Sun Yat-Sen University North Entry and Guangzhou Bridge. A total of 116 dragon boat teams and more than 4,000 athletes have registered to participate in the competition this year. In addition to the intense racing, the event features traditional dragon performances, such as colorful dragon boat races and parades, showcasing the unique characteristics of Lingnan traditional culture.
In previous years, athletes fiercely competed in dragon boat races. (Photo: China Guangzhou Fabu)
From May 31 to June 2, 2025, the 7th Haizhu Wetland Dragon Boat Festival Celebrations will take place in Guangzhou Haizhu National Wetland Park. The event features a series of activities, including ceremonial dragon boat visits and clan reunions (招景探亲), dragon boat races (龙舟竞渡), Yingge dance (英歌舞), traditional martial arts performances (武术表演), traditional folk music showcases (传统民乐汇演), Hanfu parades (汉服巡游), and cultural bazaars (文化集市).
Guangzhou Haizhu National Wetland Park has prepared a delicious Dragon Boat Feast to celebrate the festival. (Photo: Haizhu Wetland)
Meanwhile, the Liede International Neighborhood will host a lively Dragon Boat Market, a bustling street with food, drinks, and entertainment, offering visitors an immersive experience.
Dragon Boat Cultural Festival in Liede International Neighborhood (Photo: Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office)
After exploring the festivities, there is nothing like the comfort of a cozy hotel stay. To enhance the Dragon Boat Festival experience for tourists, several hotels are hosting special holiday events. The Garden Hotel Guangzhou has partnered with the Guangzhou Museum of Art to offer an exclusive 2025 Dragon Boat Festival Zongzi Gift Box. From May 31 to June 1, they will jointly host a three-day "Happy Children's Day Carnival" to celebrate Children's Day with festive fun for the whole family.
Delicate zongzi gift boxes from Garden Hotel Guangzhou (Photo: Garden Hotel Guangzhou)
Garden Hotel Guangzhou has set up playful, child-friendly decorations for Children's Day (Photo: Garden Hotel Guangzhou)
Dive into a world of festive fun at LN Garden Boutique, Shunde Guangdong Hotel. Families can explore a gourmet museum, roll up their sleeves to make authentic Lingnan-style zongzi, and enjoy a thrilling dragon boat experience set against the backdrop of a majestic Ferris wheel.
This Children's Day, step into a world of imagination at Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center. Enjoy a magical encounter with Snow Princess: Devil Mirror, an enchanting parent-child musical exclusive to the event. Then, venture into the heart of Yunxi Botanical Garden to discover the wild beauty of nature. Finally, immerse yourself in a heartwarming zongzi-making workshop to create unforgettable family moments.
Delicate zongzi gift boxes from Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center (Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center)
Performance photo from the Musical Snow Princess: Devil Mirror at Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center (Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center)
Children's Day Special: The Musical Snow Princess: Devil Mirror & Kids' Buffet at Liuhe Restaurant
Author | Wang Yulin (intern), Zhang Xuanzhen (intern)
Editor | Li Lan (intern), Liu Lingzhi, Wei Shen, James, Shen He
