Sanya's Dragon Boat Festival traditions

Dragon Boat Festival is here again! Let's dive into some classic Sanya traditions.

1."Dragon water" bath ritual

In Sanya, no Dragon Boat Festival is complete without the sea bathing ritual. At noon on the day of the festival, locals rush into the ocean, believing this synchronized swim with the dragon god brings good fortune year-round.

Sanya locals like to bath in the sea during Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

2.Dragon boat races

The city hosts exhilarating dragon boat competitions every year during the festival. These races carry deep cultural significance and are believed to bring abundant harvests, while showcasing remarkable teamwork and community spirit.

A dragon boat race in Sanya. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

3.Herbal blessings for health

Sanya's tropical environment has inspired unique customs using mugwort and local flora. Families prepare aromatic baths with ingredients like betel flowers and wild pineapple, which are believed to ward off illness. Many also hang fresh mugwort bundles by their doors as protective charms.

4.Festive culinary traditions

Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) dominate every meal during the festival, often paired with white-cut chicken - a homophone for "good fortune" in Chinese. The night before the festival, neighborhoods are filled with the comforting aroma of zongzi boiling in large pots, ready to be exchanged as edible gifts between households.

A zongzi with meat and duck egg yolk. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

From ocean rituals to communal feasts, Sanya's celebrations blend ancient customs with its unique coastal character, creating vibrant traditions that honor heritage while strengthening community bonds.