Qu Yuan's Hometown Dragon Boat Cultural Festival opens in Yichang

By Yan Wanqin.

The 2026 Qu Yuan's Hometown Dragon Boat Cultural Festival opened in Yichang on June 19, with the National Dragon Boat Rally (Yichang Station) kicking off simultaneously in the city’s Yiling District.

Following local tradition, Yichang celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival three times each year, on the 5th, 15th, and 25th days of the fifth lunar month. This year's festivities run from late May through late June.

The festival features a variety of cultural and interactive activities, including poetry gatherings, folk performances, China-chic showcases, Qu Yuan-themed banquets, and creative markets. Visitors can also take part in traditional activities such as making zongzi and sachets, offering an immersive experience of authentic Dragon Boat Festival customs.
 

The centerpiece event, the 2026 Yichang Dragon Boat League, runs from May 30 to June 20 and has attracted 50 teams from across the province and beyond, including university crews.

A new 12-person dragon boat category welcomes enthusiasts of all skill levels, making the sport more accessible.
 

In Zigui County, the hometown of Qu Yuan, local residents compete in traditional 32-seat wooden boat races. Twelve township teams take part in 500-meter and 1,000-meter sprints, as well as the signature "Snatch the Red" event.

The festival also features cultural exchanges involving Qu Yuan descendants from Taiwan, international youth representatives, and global social media influencers.

To attract visitors, Yichang is offering free admission to the Hometown of Qu Yuan Tourist Area on June 19, complimentary public parking throughout the holiday period, consumer vouchers, and discounts at local businesses.