The Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, is an ancient tradition that commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan (339-278 BC) from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).

Qu Yuan sacrificed himself to express his loyalty on the day of the festival, driven by profound patriotism and a desire to awaken his fellow countrymen to the threats facing their nation.

This festival is a time to watch dragon boat races, eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and hang mugwort.

The dragon boat race has transcended its origins in southern China's waterways, becoming a global celebration. By establishing a strong dragon boat team, Wuhan University (WHU) is playing its part in the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage.

UNESCO recognized the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival by including it in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, making it the first Chinese festival to receive the recognition.

WHU has cultivated a unique sports culture that emphasizes traditional cultural heritage alongside student athletic activities, offering courses in tai chi, martial arts, and dragon dancing, while also hosting events such as tai chi and Baduanjin competitions, as well as dragon boat experiences.