Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Picture Of The Day: Enter the dragon dancers

 

Rob Hastings
Friday 22 June 2012 18:38 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Beijing's three-day celebrations for the Duanwu festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival for the vessels that are raced to mark the occasion, began to blossom yesterday as dancers took to the stage dressed as flowers for the opening ceremony.

Stiltwalkers joined jugglers and wrestlers in displaying circus tricks, while women donned ornate costumes and face paint.

The festival marks the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, when in 277BC the patriotic poet Qu Yuan is said to have committed suicide by drowning. The tradition of racing boats decorated as dragons is dedicated to the efforts made to save him. Duanwu has been an official public holiday in mainland China since 2008 and is marked by Chinese citizens across the world.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in