Chongqing Travel Guide: Experience An Authentic Dragon Boat Festival

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By Xiao Wu, video/photo by Xingchen Yue, iChongqing news.

Chongqing - Dragon boat races, Zongzi (a pyramid shape snack made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves), and Ay Tsao (wormwood), all traditional Chinese elements that make Dragon Boat Festival a fascinating occasion to experience.

Margarita Vysokosova from Russia, Woodward brothers George and Freddie from the U.K. along with iChongqing journalist visited a traditional tea house named Chao Ruo Zhi Shui in Ciqikou Ancient Town of Chongqing. Putting on beautiful Chinese ancient clothes, sitting in the traditional Chinese teahouse, taking a lesson about Dragon Boat Festival and making Zongzi under the guidance of the master, the three took a time travel back to ancient China to explore the custom and stories behind the Dragon Boat Festival.

The guests were making Zongzi at the teahouse.

guests were eating Zongzi at the teahouse.

Margarita is a post-graduate student at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications. She has gained an unforgettable experience through the traditional practice. Margarita told iChongqing, “The ancient dress is so beautiful. It is the first time that I got involved in the Festival in such a traditional way. I like it."

Margarita learned how to make Zongzi.

George is doing a masters degree at Chongqing University. Dragon Boat Festival is not new to him, but this is the first time for him to make Zongzi by himself. “I ate Zongzi before, but to make it", he said, "I have to say, it is hard,”

George made Zongzi by himself.

Freddie just landed in Chongqing on Wednesday. To start his China trip with the fresh experience of Dragon Boat Festival was quite exciting for him. Freddie said, “This is cool. I get to know what is the Dragon Boat Festival in a very interesting way. I’m lucky.”

Freddie was playing a traditional instrument.

Click the video to see their fascinating experience of the Dragon Boat Festival.