June 19, 2026 · 星期五
Dragon Boat Festival
端午节· glutinous rice and choice of filling wrapped in leaves and boiled
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyDragon Boat Festival is a time of community and cultural pride, emphasizing teamwork and tradition.
Dragon Boat Festival
端午节duān wǔ jié
The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duānwǔ Jié (端午节) in Chinese, is a vibrant and exciting celebration that takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year. The festival is marked by exhilarating dragon-boat races and the preparation of zòngzi (粽子), which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. These activities are deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and are meant to commemorate the ancient poet Qu Yuan [1].
Dragon-boat races are a major highlight of the festival. These long, narrow boats are often ornately decorated and powered by teams of rowers who paddle in unison to the beat of a drum. The races are not only a test of strength and coordination but also a symbol of communal spirit and teamwork. Spectators gather along riverbanks to cheer on their favorite teams, creating a lively and festive atmosphere [1].
Zòngzi, the delicious rice dumplings associated with Duānwǔ Jié, are prepared with glutinous rice and various fillings, such as red bean paste, pork, or salted egg yolk. They are wrapped in leaves and boiled, giving them a distinctive flavor and aroma. Making zòngzi is often a family affair, with traditions passed down through generations. It is said that these dumplings were originally thrown into rivers to honor Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against political corruption [2].
The Dragon Boat Festival is an important occasion that not only honors the memory of Qu Yuan but also brings people together through shared cultural practices. It is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its significance in preserving Chinese traditions and promoting cultural exchange [1].
Dragon Boat Festival is a time of community and cultural pride, emphasizing teamwork and tradition.
我喜欢吃粽子。
Wǒ xǐhuān chī zòngzi.
I like eating zòngzi.
- [1] UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage documentation
- [2] standard reference works on Chinese folk art
Jason & Amy on 粽子
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 粽子 — Dragon Boat Festival
Jason & Amy on 粽子 and Dragon Boat Festival
New here?
我吃了一个粽子。
Wǒ chīle yīgè zòngzi.
I ate a zòngzi.
A simple sentence using zòngzi.
端午节我们包粽子。
Duānwǔ Jié wǒmen bāo zòngzi.
We make zòngzi during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Refers to making zòngzi for a festival.
粽子的味道很好。
Zòngzi de wèidào hěn hǎo.
The taste of zòngzi is very good.
Describes the positive taste of zòngzi.
粽子象征着团结。
Zòngzi xiàngzhēngzhe tuánjié.
Zòngzi symbolizes unity.
Uses zòngzi in an abstract sense to symbolize unity.
Using 的 to indicate possession
noun + 的 + noun
The character 的 is used to indicate possession or attribution between two nouns.
Use 的 to show that one noun possesses or is related to another noun.
妈妈的粽子很好吃。
mā mā de zòng zǐ hěn hǎo chī
Mom's zongzi are delicious.
朋友的粽子很特别。
péng yǒu de zòng zǐ hěn tè bié
My friend's zongzi are special.
老师的粽子很有名。
lǎo shī de zòng zǐ hěn yǒu míng
The teacher's zongzi are famous.
What does 粽子 mean?
How is 粽子 pronounced?
How do you write "glutinous rice and choice of filling wrapped in leaves and boiled" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
Fill the blank: 我喜欢吃___。
粽子的味道很好。 — What does this sentence mean?
What is a key activity during the Dragon Boat Festival?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 粽子
Fillings vary greatly, but common options include pork, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk.
While they are most popular during this festival, 粽子 can be enjoyed year-round.
You typically boil or steam them for about 1-2 hours, depending on their size.
Today's Mandarin word: 粽子 (zòngzi) — glutinous rice and choice of filling wrapped in leaves and boiled.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉