China calendar countdown
Dragon Boat Festival is getting closer.
The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. The date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Dragon Boat Festival
This countdown follows the traditional lunar date. The official holiday period and any make-up workdays may be announced separately.
About Dragon Boat Festival in China
The festival is closely tied to the poet Qu Yuan of the ancient state of Chu, who is said to have drowned himself in the Miluo River around 278 BC. Villagers raced out in boats to save him and threw rice into the water. Today teams race long, decorated dragon boats, families eat zongzi and UNESCO lists the festival as intangible cultural heritage.
When is Dragon Boat Festival in China?
It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which gives 19 June 2026, 9 June 2027 and 28 May 2028.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Friday 19 June 2026 | Wednesday 9 June 2027 | Sunday 28 May 2028 |
Planning around Dragon Boat Festival
Buy zongzi gifts and hotel stays near famous race venues in advance, as popular fillings sell out and cities often schedule short travel peaks around the holiday. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Dragon Boat Festival questions
How many days until Dragon Boat Festival in China?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Dragon Boat Festival in China, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Dragon Boat Festival in 2027 in China?
Dragon Boat Festival falls on Wednesday 9 June 2027 in China.
What are zongzi?
Zongzi are pyramid-shaped parcels of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and steamed or boiled. Fillings range from sweet red bean paste and dates in some regions to pork or salted egg yolk in others.