Cardiff Confucius Institute Celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival with Interactive Events Across Cardiff
2 July 2025
Cardiff Confucius Institute tutors brought colour, culture, and celebration to the heart of the city with a series of interactive events in honour of the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. Held at multiple venues including Cardiff Libraries and The Red Dragon Centre, the events offered a rich blend of hands-on activities and cultural experiences for people of all ages.
Visitors were invited to immerse themselves in Chinese culture through engaging workshops and performances. Popular activities included making vibrant paper dragons, crafting aromatic sachets, and playing the tossing sticks game, a traditional pastime associated with ancient Chinese festivals. Attendees also had the opportunity to try on traditional Chinese dress, adding a touch of elegance and fun to the festive atmosphere.
In keeping with the spirit of well-being and harmony, sessions of Baduan jin, a form of traditional Chinese qigong exercise known for its gentle, flowing movements, were held for participants to experience a taste of traditional Chinese health practices.
The musical heart of the festival was captured in a live performance of “On the River” on the guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, which enchanted audiences with its serene and melodic tones.
At the core of the celebration was the sharing of the legend of the Dragon Boat Festival, including the tale of Qu Yuan, the revered poet and statesman whose story lies at the heart of the festival’s origins. Through storytelling, participants gained a deeper understanding of the festival’s meaning and the values it celebrates - loyalty, patriotism, and community.
Prof Guoxiang Xia, Academic Director of Cardiff Confucius Institute, commented:
“This event series is a wonderful example of cultural exchange and community engagement. We are proud to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival not only as a traditional Chinese event but as a shared cultural moment that brings people together across backgrounds.”
The Cardiff Confucius Institute would like to thank Cardiff Libraries, The Red Dragon Centre, volunteers, and all participants who made this celebration such a memorable success.