Published on: 2026-06-18
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
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On the eve of the “Duanwu” festival in the Czigu County of Hubei Province, the hometown of the great poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), the drums of dragon boats sounded on the banks of the Yangtze River. On June 10, five traditional wooden dragon boats were launched onto the water of the Yangtze River, emitting the delicate aroma of Chinese fir; the rowers dipped their oars, slicing through the waves, and rhythmic shouts echoed over the river.
Since the early 2000s, lightweight and durable fiberglass dragon boats have almost completely replaced traditional wooden ones. This year, the Czigui county decided to revive the old tradition and resumed competitions of traditional wooden dragon boats. The production was entrusted to 70-year-old Chen Xianlun, a hereditary bearer of the tradition of making dragon boats, included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of the city of Ichang.
Zhen Xianlun began learning the craft at the age of 22 and has built more than a hundred boats in his lifetime. This year, together with his son and a team of experienced craftsmen, who have also surpassed the 60-year-old mark, they worked for almost three months making 14 boats, using traditional tools: marking cords with ink, axes, and chisels. Each of the 14 boats has its own features, and the dragon heads are a true work of art.
As it became known, the traditional dragon boat races on the homeland of Qu Yuan, “In Search of Roots on the Land of Qu Yuan — Dragon Boats Cutting Through the Waves” 2026, will be held on June 19-20 in the bay of Suyachu in the Ziyang district. The competition will feature 12 teams from various settlements. Before the start of the races, traditional ceremonies will also take place: a parade of dragon heads of the boats and the ritual of “reviving” the dragon by drawing pupils.After the races are completed, the wooden boats will be handed over to local tourist sites for cultural exhibitions and interactive programs, which will help preserve the centuries-old cultural heritage of the Duanwu Festival.
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