About this collection
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated across many Asian countries. Its origins are said to date back over two thousand years, when the minister Qu Yuan was banished for opposing the king during China’s Warring States period. He wrote a great deal of poetry during his exile and died by drowning himself in the Miluo River. Legend has it that local people, who admired Qu Yuan and his works, raced out in their boats to retrieve his body. This inspired the popular dragon boat races that are now held worldwide on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The races are a real test of teamwork and a lively scene of festive exuberance and colour. Each boat seats 24 paddlers, urged on by pounding drums and cheering crowds. HSBC has participated in Hong Kong’s races since the 1970s. Read on to see how we’ve celebrated this popular event over the years.
