Dragon boat racing has deep roots in ancient ceremonial, ritual and religious traditions, so modern competition is only one part of the activity. The use of dragon boats for racing is believed to have originated in southern central China more than 2,500 years ago, around Dongting Lake and along the banks of the Chang Jiang, now known as the Yangtze.
The first dragon boat races were held to commemorate Qu Yuan, the great warrior-poet who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River as a protest against the political corruption of the day. More than 2,000 years later, dragon boat racing remains an important part of Chinese culture, representing patriotism and group integrity.
The festival is widely known today as the Dragon Boat Festival. According to legend, local people raced out in boats, beating drums and splashing their paddles to protect Qu Yuan’s body from fish. Over time, these traditions developed into organised dragon boat racing, which now combines cultural heritage, teamwork, fitness and community spirit around the world.
