Four Dragon Boat Festival Events to Attend this Weekend

Hallelujah! The long weekend is coming! Make the most of your Dragon Boat Festival with these events and special deals. Most of these events are capitalizing on the traditional practice of making zongzi over the holiday, which are made by stuffing glutinous rice balls with various fillings, wrapping them in bamboo leaves and then cooking them via boiling or steaming.

The Brickyard Inn and Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall
For RMB 2,688 spend a night at the Great Wall, including private transfer to and from Beijing for two people, with a superior queen Great Wall view room on the night of June 19. Let them know if you want late checkout, this can be arranged subject to availability. Deal includes RMB 240 to be used at the Brickyard or the Schoolhouse during your stay, a specially arranged Dragon Boat Festival Luncheon Feast at Xiaolumian on June 20, and breakfast for two at the lodge. To make a reservation, email reservations@brickyardatmutianyu.com.

If you don't want to spend the night at the Great Wall, there's still the opportunity to go by for the day for the special feast on June 20. Try zongzi and other traditional fare between 6 and 9pm, at RMB 188 for adults, RMB 98 for children between 4 and 12 years old, and free for those under 4 years old. There will also be live folk music.
 

Beijing Mandarin School Dragon Boat Festival Party
On June 18, Beijing Mandarin School is hosting their Dragon Boat Festival Party. Get together and make new friends, learn about Chinese culture, and then learn how to make zongzi and afterwards eat your own creations. The party kicks off at 6.30pm, and attending only costs RMB 10.
 

Dragon Boat Beer and Boil at Great Leap Brewing #45
Nola and Great Leap combine their strengths for an authentic Cajun-style crawfish boil – includes crawfish, shrimp, chicken jambalaya, corn on the cob, potatoes, andouille sausage, kale cheddar salad, cornbread, and bread pudding. The boil goes between 11.30am-3pm, on June 20 and June 21. There are only 60 spots a day though, so be quick and RSVP to reservation@greatleapbrewing.com. All you can eat for RMB 250, and four beers for RMB 100.
 

Dragon Boat Race in Yanqing County
If you want to get out of the city, this is the perfect opportunity to experience what Dragon Boat Festival is all about with Beijing's universities battling it out on the water on June 20 at Xiadu Park. Expect a zongzi eating contest as well as folk performances. Events start at 9.30am, with the races commencing in the afternoon. For any enquiries, get in touch with the park at 6914 4238. Xiadu Park is located on Hubei Xilu, in Yanqing County, north of Changping.

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