8
0Do you know the story behind the Dragon Boat Festival? In this episode, teacher Daisy takes you on a delicious and cultural journey through one of China’s most important traditional holidays.
You’ll learn:
- What zongzi (rice dumplings) are and Northerners and Southerners' preference
- How dragon boat racing is connected to the ancient poet Qu Yuan
- Why people hang ai cao (wormwood) on their doors during the festival
- The right way to greet someone during Dragon Boat Festival
This episode is perfect for learners at HSK 3–4 level and above who want to improve listening, learn real-life vocabulary, and discover Chinese culture in simple, clear Chinese.
If you’re looking for intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing has you covered – plus a special summer course introduction at the end of the episode!
🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways
– Opening
Daisy introduces the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节). It falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (late May to early June).
– 粽子Zòngzi: Sweet or Savory?
- Zongzi are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves.
- Northern style: sweet with red dates, red bean paste, dipped in sugar.
- Southern style: savory with pork, salted egg yolk, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts.
- Daisy’s favorite: pork zongzi.
📖 Keywords: 粽子 (zòngzi), 糯米 (nuòmǐ), 甜 (tián), 咸 (xián)
– Dragon Boat Racing & Qu Yuan
- Qu Yuan was a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River.
- People rowed boats to save him, later turning into dragon boat races.
- They threw zongzi into the river so fish wouldn’t eat his body.
- Today, dragon boat racing is an international sport.
📖 Keywords: 赛龙舟 (sài lóngzhōu), 屈原 (Qū Yuán), 汨罗江 (Mìluó Jiāng)
– Hanging Wormwood (Ai Cao)
- Ai Cao has a strong smell that repels insects.
- People hang it on doors during the festival for health and protection.
- You can buy fresh wormwood in markets or even as decorations.
📖 Keywords: 挂(guà), 艾草 (ài cǎo), 驱虫 (qū chóng), 平安 (píng ān)
– How to Greet Someone on Duanwu
- Traditional: “端午安康” (Duanwu Ankang – wish you peace and health).
- Modern: “端午快乐” (Duanwu Kuaile – happy Duanwu) is also widely accepted.
- Daisy teaches you the phrase: “端午节到了，祝您端午安康。”
📖 Keywords: 安康 (ānkāng), 祝福 (zhùfú)
– Summer Course in Hangzhou
- 4‑week intensive summer program in Hangzhou.
- Morning: 1-on-1 or small group lessons with professional teachers (all HSK levels).
- Afternoon: cultural activities – West Lake walks, tea culture at Longjing Village, calligraphy, silk, local markets, restaurants.
- You’ll get a certificate and a learning report.
– Recap & Farewell
Daisy reviews the key points and encourages listeners to practice speaking and join Chinese Surfing courses.
📖 Useful Vocabulary (by HSK Level)
| HSK | Chinese | Pinyin | English |
| 2 | 节日 | jiérì | festival |
| 2 | 粽子 | zòngzi | rice dumpling |
| 3 | 糯米 | nuòmǐ | glutinous rice |
| 3 | 传统 | chuántǒng | traditional |
| 3 | 比赛 | bǐsài | competition / race |
| 4 | 诗人 | shīrén | poet |
| 4 | 爱国 | àiguó | patriotic |
| 4 | 纪念 | jìniàn | to commemorate |
| 4 | 口味 | kǒuwèi | taste / flavor |
| 5 | 馅料 | xiànliào | filling |
| 5 | 安康 | ānkāng | peace and health |
| 6 | 驱虫 | qū chóng | to repel insects |
| 6+ | 汨罗江 | Mìluó Jiāng | Miluo River |
| 6+ | 艾草 | ài cǎo | wormwood |
💬 Join the Conversation
- Have you ever tried zongzi? Do you prefer sweet or savory?
- Do you have a similar festival in your country?
- How would you reply if a Chinese friend said “端午安康” to you?
Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group.
📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing
Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Check out our 4‑week summer program in Hangzhou!
📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com
🌍 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2
💬 Whatsapp: +86 198 5741 8482
🔍Website: www.chinese-surfing.com
Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing
🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com
📜 Full PDF script of this episode? 📧 daisy@chinese-surfing.com
Next Episode Preview: More Chinese culture and language tips – stay tuned!
