Paddle to victory in the Dragon Boat Festival Challenge: row, know and win!

Today is Duanwu – the Dragon Boat Festival – one of China's oldest and most vibrant traditional celebrations, with a history spanning over 2,000 years.

Falling on the fifth day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar, the festival is steeped in legend and rich traditions. It's a day for savoring zongzi – those fragrant, delicious pyramid-shaped parcels of sticky rice – and for witnessing the heart-pounding thrill of dragon boat races. As rowers paddle in perfect sync, the long, narrow boats glide across the water in a breathtaking display of strength, unity, and cultural pride.

CGTN reporters Rachel Weiss, Wendyl Martin, and Sergey Gordeev are paddling full speed ahead in our Duanwu special: "Dragon Boat Festival – Row & Know!" First up is the Trivia Challenge, where their festival knowledge is put to the test. From the legendary origins of Duanwu and the leaves used to wrap zongzi, to the most popular Tang Dynasty (618–907) festival game and the hidden symbolism behind zongzi's pyramid shape – only one contestant's "Zongzi-ledge" will lead them to victory. So, whose tiny dragon boat will cross the finish line first?

Next, it's time to get moving with a hands-on challenge: the ancient arrow-throwing game of Touhu, or pitch-pot. Originating from archery rituals and once a favorite pastime of scholars and nobles, Touhu brings a fun, competitive twist to festive gatherings. The rules are simple – toss arrows into a pot from a distance, and the more you land, the higher your score. So, who's got the sharpest aim? Let's find out!

And of course, no Dragon Boat Festival is complete without its culinary star: zongzi! These glutinous rice delights, wrapped in bamboo, reed, or other leaves, come in a variety of sweet and savory flavors – from red bean and mung bean to salted egg yolk, pork, and Chinese sausage. These days, it's often joked that just about anything can be wrapped in a zongzi if you're daring enough! In our final segment, "What's Inside Zongzi? Take a Bite and Guess!" our three candidates take on a delicious challenge: unwrapping and tasting mystery zongzi to guess the fillings. So, what "destined" flavors await them – and whose taste buds will reign supreme?

The studio is set, the answer boards are ready – and the most importantly, the colorful "dragon boats" are all lined up for those bold captains. Who will paddle their way to victory, and who will fall behind? Pick your favorite and cheer them on. Let's Row & Know – together!