Dragon Boat Festival

Set across the Garden’s tranquil pavilions, this immersive event combines traditional arts, live performances and hands-on experiences for all ages including:

Tianjin Museum Intangible Cultural Showcase
Discover a special showcase presented in collaboration with the Tianjin Museum, featuring rare cultural artefacts and interactive experiences that bring centuries of tradition to life.

Yangliuqing Woodblock Printing & Museum Collection
Explore the beauty of Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings, one of Tianjin’s most treasured intangible cultural heritages. Known for their rich storytelling, vibrant colour and intricate craftsmanship, these works combine carving and painting techniques to depict vivid scenes and auspicious themes.

This experience pairs traditional woodblock printing with museum artefacts such as the Ming Dynasty Blue and White Loquat and Ribbon Bird Plate and the Qing Dynasty Famille Rose Eight Peach Branch Plate, allowing visitors to explore history while trying the printing and colouring process firsthand.


Tiger Hanging Ornament Craft
Create a traditional tiger hanging pouch, a meaningful Dragon Boat Festival keepsake. Handmade from fabric scraps and adorned with tassels, these charming ornaments often feature tiger shapes along with zongzi, gourds and other symbolic forms.

Traditionally gifted to children, these pouches are worn for protection and good fortune—making this a beautiful, hands-on way to connect with festival customs.


Foil Painting Experience
Discover the art of foil painting, a traditional metalwork technique using gold and silver foil to create layered, luminous designs. Inspired by Dragon Boat Festival imagery, including dragon boats and folklore themes, this activity blends craftsmanship with storytelling.

The experience also connects to the famous “Dragon Boat Race at Jinming Pond” painting from the Northern Song Dynasty, offering a deeper appreciation of this historic celebration.


Bamboo Dragon Boat Making
Celebrate one of the festival’s most iconic traditions by crafting your own bamboo dragon boat. Dragon boat racing has been a central part of the festival for centuries, and this activity brings that heritage to life in a creative, family-friendly way.

Inspired by historical depictions such as Dragon Boat Race at Jinming Pond, this workshop offers a hands-on connection to the energy and spirit of ancient celebrations.


More Ways to Experience the Festival
Alongside the Tianjin Museum showcase, enjoy a full program of activities throughout the Garden:

• Rice dumpling (zongzi) making demonstrations
• Jasmine tea blending and tea tasting
• Traditional pitch-pot game
• Live Chinese music performances
• Martial arts demonstrations (Tai Chi & Wu Shu)
• Tianjin Culture & Tourism Photo Exhibition

Schedule
Wander between pavilions, take part in interactive workshops, and experience the rich traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival.

• Cultural Heritage Experiences (10am-12pm; 1pm-4pm)
  • Rice Dumpling making - Hall of Longevity
  • Yangliuqing woodblock printing - The Gurr
  • Foil painting - The Gurr
  • Bamboo dragon boat making - Twin Pavilion
  • Tiger Hanging Ornament (Tianjin) - Twin Pavilion
  • Jasmine Tea Blending Techniques Demonstration (Tianjin) - Peace Boat Pavilion
  • Tea tasting (Cultural Center) - Peace Boat Pavilion
  • Pitch-pot game - Pavilions among Bamboo and Rock Bamboo and Stone Pavilion (Courtyard) 

• Performances (11am-3.30pm)
  • Music performance  - 11am-11.30am, Water Pavilion
  • Martial arts - 11.30am-12pm, The Gurr
  • Music performance - 12.30pm-1pm, Water Pavilion
  • Martial arts - 1pm-1.30pm, The Gurr
  • Music performance - 2.30pm-3pm, Lenient Jade Pavilion on 20 Jun and Water Pavilion on 21 Jun
  • Martial arts - 3pm-3.30pm, The Gurr

Want more? See what else is happening in Darling Harbour.