As dragon boats slice through waterways across Asia, the ancient Dragon Boat Festival reveals new dimensions in a globalized world. CGTN's Julian and Leonie recently explored this cultural phenomenon through culinary innovation, traditional medicine, and high-octane racing in a special program highlighting the festival's enduring relevance.
From Xinjiang to Beijing: A Zongzi Revolution
At a Beijing restaurant, a Uygur chef demonstrated how Xinjiang yogurt and honeyed fruits transform traditional zongzi rice dumplings. “The tartness cuts through the glutinous richness,” explained Leonie while wrapping the innovative treat, showcasing how regional specialties fuel culinary cross-pollination.
Wellness Meets Modernity
Associate Professor Wang Lepeng of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine emphasized the festival's health connections during Julian's acupuncture session. Meanwhile, Tong Ren Tang's herbal coffee blend – mixing chrysanthemum and goji berries with arabica – reimagined traditional remedies for contemporary palates.
Racing Through History
In Foshan's Diejiao Dragon Boat Drift Race, teams navigated 25-meter boats through hairpin turns at 40 km/h, preserving a 500-year-old tradition. Singaporean reporter Miro Lu documented how overseas communities maintain these customs, with local teams blending competitive spirit with ancestral remembrance.
