The national Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in memory of the great patriot, Qu Yuan of the Chu State in the Warring States period (475–221 BC), but the celebrations are held in various ways in different parts of China.

Fujian’s Zhangpu county and Shishi city celebrate this festival of patriotism in unique manner.

Noisy days for uninhabited island

Fotan town in Zhangpu county attracts 100,000 visitors from Taiwan and the mainland each year with its annual dragon boat race that lasts for days. This year, the race attracted more than 100 fishing vessels and dragon boats to participate on May 30.

The dragon boat race started in 1369 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and is now an important communal sport. In Fujian, it takes place along the Hongru River each year.

Fotan town’s annual dragon boat race takes place along the Hongru River on May 30 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]

A small rocky island, 120 meters by 30 meters, at the estuary of the Hongru River, has been named after Qu Yuan since the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when the tradition of paddling dragon boats spread to the town.

Participants pay tribute to Qu Yuan on the eponymous island at the Hongru River Estuary before starting the race. [Photo/Xinhua]

There is a statue of Qu Yuan on the island. Before the race starts, participants pay tribute to the great patriot, creating the noisiest moments of the year to the otherwise quiet, unpopulated island.

The race assembly point near Qu Yuan Island at the Hongru River Estuary. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hospitable local fishermen take visitors on cruises along the Hongru River, where the race takes place, to cheer the participants.

This year the race attracted more than 100 fishing ships and dragon boats to participate, when taking place on May 30.

The dragon boat race is in full swing along the Hongru River. [Photo/Xinhua]