The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This year, the festival took place on June 25th, and it sparked a surge in outbound tourism as people took advantage of the long weekend to travel and explore new destinations.
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with various customs and activities, including dragon boat races, eating sticky rice dumplings known as zongzi, and hanging up traditional herbs to drive away evil spirits. It is a time for families to come together and honor the memory of the famous poet and minister Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River as an act of protest against corruption.
This year, many people chose to spend the holiday by traveling to different countries and experiencing new cultures. According to data from various travel agencies and booking platforms, there was a significant increase in outbound tourism during the Dragon Boat Festival. Popular destinations included Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and European countries such as France and Italy.
One of the reasons for the surge in outbound tourism during the Dragon Boat Festival is the fact that it falls on a long weekend, allowing people to take a short vacation without taking too many days off work. Additionally, with the ongoing pandemic, many people are eager to travel and explore new places after being cooped up at home for so long.
Traveling during the Dragon Boat Festival also gives people the opportunity to experience different cultural traditions and festivities in other countries. Many tourists took part in local celebrations and events, such as dragon boat races in Hong Kong or traditional temple fairs in Taiwan.
Overall, the Dragon Boat Festival has become a popular time for people to travel and explore new destinations. Whether it’s relaxing on a beach in Thailand or sampling street food in Japan, the holiday provides a perfect opportunity for people to unwind and create lasting memories with their loved ones. As outbound tourism continues to grow, it’s clear that the Dragon Boat Festival is not just a time for traditional customs and rituals, but also a time for adventure and exploration.
