Dragon Boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival is lively and vibrant everywhere. Where in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, are there Dragon Boat races? The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is named after the tradition of dragon boat racing on this day. Originally, the Dragon Boat Festival was a festival in ancient times when people worshipped their ancestors with dragon boat races.

Fujian Zhangzhou - Where to Watch Dragon Boat Racing During the Dragon Boat Festival

In Fujian Zhangzhou, Dragon Boat races are held every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, generally taking place at Putou Port and Jiaoye Park.
The history of dragon boat racing is long, and it is a team paddling competition. The dragon boat race is divided into several parts: calling the dragon, worshipping the dragon god, dragon procession, and collecting the dragon. Before the race, a grand ceremony is usually held (calling the dragon, worshipping the god). Before the Dragon Boat Festival, a lucky day is selected to retrieve the dragon from the water, worship the god, attach the dragon head and tail, and prepare for the race. In Fujian and Taiwan, they often pay homage to the Mazu Temple. In the past, the atmosphere during the worship of the dragon god was very solemn, with people praying for blessings, good weather, and protection from evil spirits and disasters, hoping for everything to go smoothly. In Zigui, the hometown of Qu Yuan in Hubei, there is also a traditional practice of dragon boat racing to honor Qu Yuan.
However, participating in dragon boat racing is not something anyone can do easily. After all, rowing is a sport that can lead to accidents, and dragon boats are relatively primitive vessels without sufficient safety measures. Therefore, participants in dragon boat races are usually professionally trained. Although some areas may occasionally invite the audience to join in the Dragon Boat races, it is random, and the situation varies by region.

What Traditional Customs Are There in Zhangzhou, Fujian During the Dragon Boat Festival

1. Hanging Mugwort
During the Dragon Boat Festival, every household in Zhangzhou, Fujian, hangs a string of mugwort and calamus at their door. Due to their special fragrance and medicinal properties, they have the effect of preventing diseases, repelling mosquitoes, and warding off evil.
2. Going to Offer Tribute to the King
In Zhao'an County, Zhangzhou, Fujian, during the Dragon Boat Festival, they offer tribute to the King. That is, the statues of Shen Jishi and Li Boyao are carried out from two temples for a street parade. Lanterns from the temples lead the way, with swords, axes, halberds, and spears arranged in two rows, and the local community follows in line singing the "King Offering" song, which is very lively.
3. Washing with Noon Water
In Zhangzhou, Fujian, there is a custom of washing with noon water during the Dragon Boat Festival. Locals believe that the water at noon not only wards off evil but also makes tea and wine especially fragrant and delicious. Drinking it directly even has miraculous healing effects. There are sayings like "Washing your eyes with noon water makes them as clear as an eagle's" and "Drinking a sip of noon water is better than taking medicine for three years."
4. Worshiping the King of Water Lilies
In Zhangzhou, Fujian, there is a custom of worshiping the King of Water Lilies during the Dragon Boat Festival. The people of Zhangzhou regard the Dragon Boat Festival as second only to the Spring Festival. They have customs such as offering zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and braised noodles to their ancestors and deities. On this day, besides worshipping Qu Yuan and their ancestors, they also worship the King of Water Lilies, which is the most local characteristic.