Today marks Duanwu—the Dragon Boat Festival—one of China’s oldest and most vibrant celebrations with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Falling on the fifth day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar, the festival is steeped in legend and rich traditions.
It’s a day for savoring zongzi—those fragrant, delicious pyramid-shaped parcels of sticky rice—and for witnessing the heart-pounding thrill of dragon boat races. As rowers paddle in perfect sync, the long, narrow boats glide across the water in a breathtaking display of strength, unity, and cultural pride.
This year, our reporters Rachel Weiss, Wendyl Martin, and Sergey Gordeev embarked on a Duanwu special: “Dragon Boat Festival – Row & Know!” First up was the Trivia Challenge, where their festival knowledge was put to the test. From the legendary origins of Duanwu and the leaves used to wrap zongzi, to the most popular Tang Dynasty festival game and the hidden symbolism behind zongzi‘s pyramid shape—only one contestant’s “Zongzi-ledge” would lead them to victory. So, whose tiny dragon boat crossed the finish line first?
Next, it was time to get moving with a hands-on challenge: the ancient arrow-throwing game of Touhu, or pitch-pot. Originating from archery rituals and once a favorite pastime of scholars and nobles, Touhu brings a fun, competitive twist to festive gatherings. The rules are simple—toss arrows into a pot from a distance, and the more you land, the higher your score. Who had the sharpest aim? The competition was fierce!
Of course, no Dragon Boat Festival is complete without its culinary star: zongzi! These glutinous rice delights, wrapped in bamboo, reed, or other leaves, come in a variety of sweet and savory flavors—from red bean and mung bean to salted egg yolk, pork, and Chinese sausage. In our final segment, “What’s Inside Zongzi? Take a Bite and Guess!” our three candidates took on a delicious challenge: unwrapping and tasting mystery zongzi to guess the fillings. What “destined” flavors awaited them—and whose taste buds reigned supreme?
The studio was set, answer boards were ready, and most importantly, the colorful “dragon boats” were all lined up for our bold captains. Who paddled their way to victory, and who fell behind? Pick your favorite and cheer them on. Let’s Row & Know—together!
