Dragon boat racing, a long-held tradition performed during China's Duanwu Festival, continues to link people in the country with ancient cultural heritage while simultaneously creating new economic opportunities.
On Thursday in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, spectators gathered along a river in anticipation of an exciting race, as participants decorated the dragon boats with ceremonial flags and umbrellas.
Community members of all ages take part in the boat-centered traditions. Elders place rice sprouts at the bow and stern, a blessing for a good harvest in the year ahead, before younger adults and children paddle the craft along the river.
"Today I'm the flag bearer at the front. It's exciting, and it's a great way to stay fit," said Chi Yuxuan, a young boy and local resident.
About an hour away, in neighboring Foshan City, a dragon boat racecourse unlike any other welcomed competitive teams. Known as "Formula One on Water," the Diejiao races saw teams speeding through narrow river bends and crossing the finish line in reverse.
The races have become a major tourism draw. Last year alone, the Diejiao dragon boat races generated more than 47 million U.S. dollars in on-site spending. Hotels fill up days before race weekends. Restaurants and shops stay busy from morning to night.
"I traveled all the way from Heilongjiang just to see this. I've been here for a week already. The way they make those tricky turns is amazing. I'll stay a little longer to explore and see more of the area," said Li Tingting, a holiday traveler.
The growing international popularity of dragon boat racing is fueling local employment. In Foshan's Jiujiang Town, workers build boats designed for professional 22-person races and ship them across China and overseas.
"We produce up to 1,000 dragon boats a year. We're working overtime every day to fill orders -- not just from the region, but from Southeast Asia and Europe as well," said Wu Pengjian, a dragon boat manufacturer.
According to the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, from June to July this year, Guangdong will host more than 200 dragon boat events and over 500 races. Nearly 100,000 enthusiasts will take part.
The dragon boat boom is also lifting sales of festival foods, cultural products and tourism services as residents join in on the holiday merriment.
Dragon boat festivities boost community engagement, economic vitality in China
China's movie market is experiencing an unprecedented boom during this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, with nearly 20 films to be put on screens on the Chinese mainland, the highest number of releases for the same holiday period in a decade.
The holiday film market opens as China's annual box office revenue for 2026 exceeded 16.5 billion yuan (about 2.44 billion U.S. dollars) as of Thursday, according to industry data.
The films scheduled for release span a range of genres, including spy thriller, romance, suspense, animation, action, and teen comedy, offering a cinematic feast for audiences of all ages.
Scheduled for release on Friday, Chinese director Feng Xiaogang's spy drama "I Know Who You Are" is one of the holiday releases. It follows a police officer's long-term investigation of a suspected spy neighbor that spans nearly four decades. Notably, the story unfolds in Beijing's hutongs (alleyways), weaving together personal drama and historical change.
Domestic sci-fi film "The Boy Who Counted Cars" explores a world where the virtual and real intertwine. The film follows a young man who believes he is the only real person in a simulated world and embarks on a journey to uncover reality after meeting a quirky young woman.
Romantic crime film "Invictus" follows a young man who finds hope in love but is soon plunged into crisis, as he and his partner confront hardship and stand up for their sense of justice.
Chinese drama "West By Northwest" interweaves three RV (recreational vehicle) travel stories across China that explore themes of family connection, generational conflict, and the search for closure among characters from different age groups as they face life's emotional and existential challenges.
Chinese animation blockbuster "Big Fish and Begonia" will return to theaters for a 10th-anniversary re-release.
The holiday lineup also includes the Hollywood animated film "Toy Story 5," the latest installment in the beloved franchise. Set against a digital-age backdrop, the film continues the series' trademark warmth and humor while highlighting the survival challenges faced by traditional toys amid technological change.
As this year's Dragon Boat Festival coincides with Father's Day, the holiday lineup features a variety of father-son movies.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it is celebrated on Friday and the holiday runs from Friday to Sunday.
About 20 films to hit on Chinese screens during Dragon Boat Festival holiday
