During the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival, Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou was filled with the fragrance of mugwort and the verdant hue of reed leaves, steeped in a rich festive atmosphere. The first-floor lobby was elegantly decorated with themed hanging ornaments, a dragon-boat photo booth, and a wish wall alongside a photo display showcasing patients’ holiday aspirations—all drawing many to stop and take pictures. A few days earlier, the hospital had also organized a group of over 50 international patients to visit Luntou Village in GuangzhouCityto watch the Dragon Boat “Zhaojing” (a traditional Cantonese dragon boat gathering where villages exchange invitations and welcome visiting boats), giving them an early immersion in the vibrant Cantonese dragon-boat culture.

On June 18, a warm-hearted International Patient Celebration under the theme “Carrying Forward Dragon Boat Festive Traditions, Honoring the Promise of Health” was held at the hospital. Patients and their families from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other countries participated with great enthusiasm, sharing laughter and joy while experiencing the rich charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Ancient Melodies, New Voices: A Visual and Auditory Tapestry of Multicultural Exchanges

The event kicked off with a themed video that vividly presented the origins and customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. Following this, Ms. Liu Yansheng, Assistant to the Director of the International Affairs Department, extended festive greetings to the international patients and their families, her warm words conveying the care and affection of the hospital’s extended family.

On stage, diverse cultures intertwined in a dazzling spectacle. The hospital’s International Customer Service team opened with an energetic Indian dance, its exotic flair, nimble movements, and rhythmic beats instantly igniting the audience. Then,Marziyaperformed a bold and graceful Kazakh dance, unleashing the freedom and vitality of the prairie nomads. A soulful Russian song resonated deeply with the international patients, many of whom hummed along, creating a touching scene. A guest guzheng player(a traditional Chinese plucked zither)produced the flowing melody ofFisherman’s Song at Dusk, soothing and ethereal, while the Sichuan opera face-changing act brought the house to a crescendo—masks shifting in the blink of an eye, drawing thunderous applause and cheers.

Hanfu Elegance: Oriental Aesthetics Spanning a Millennium

One of the most captivating moments was the Hanfu (traditional Chinese costume) fashion show. Five hospital interpreters and one Indonesian patient’s family member walked the stage in resplendent Hanfu attire. As a vessel of Chinese rites and manners, Hanfu embodies the ancient saying,“China has the grandeur of ritual—hence called Xia; it has the beauty of garments—hence called Hua”.From flowing ruqun skirts to dignified quju robes and refined shenyi, the graceful fabrics and silhouettes breathed the timeless charm of Oriental aesthetics. International patients eagerly raised their phones to capture this visual feast from the East.

Nurturing Body and Spirit: Hands-On Encounters with the Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine

At its heart, the Dragon Boat Festival celebrates health. The TCM physician led patients in a gentle health exercise routine to stretch muscles and regulate breath. The subsequent auricular acupressure and acupuncture sessions offered a tangible taste of TCM’s unique allure. One patient from Indonesia remarked with amazement, “This is my first acupuncture experience—my shoulders and neck feel so much lighter. TCM is truly wonderful!”

Joy at Your Fingertips: From Throwing Arrows to Wrapping Reed Leaves

The games and hands-on activities were equally delightful. At the pitch-pot game area, patients held their breath, aimed, and tossed—each successful arrow landing drew cheers. The festive quiz session combined learning with fun, deepening everyone’s understanding of this traditional holiday.

The most bustling activity was undoubtedly the zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) wrapping session. Emerald reed leaves, glossy glutinous rice, and generous fillings were laid out in rows. Under staff guidance, international patients tried their hand at folding, filling, and tying—simple as it seemed, each step required skill. A “Best Zongzi” contest brought hearty laughter at the creative shapes. When the steaming dumplings were finally served, along with delicate holiday tea snacks, everyone sat together, sharing the fragrant treats and weaving warm memories filled with laughter.

Oars Across Lingnan: A Cultural Tribute in the Race of Hundred Boats

On the eve of the festival, drumbeats began to resound along the shores of Luntou Village. Accompanied by hospital leaders, medical staff, and interpreters throughout the journey, over 50 international patients traveled to Luntou Village, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, to witness the Dragon Boat Zhaojing ceremony.

The Luntou Dragon Boat Zhaojing is a time‑honored folk event in Haizhu District, with the fifth day of the fifth lunar month being the “main day.” On that day, dragon boats from neighboring villages—Chisha, Shangchong, Tangxia, Xiaozhou, and others—arrive in succession. Each boat’s “dragon head” must enter the village as a sign of respect; crew members disembark to enjoy dragon‑boat tea and cakes, and later share a communal dragon‑boat feast at noon. With colorful Cantonese embroidered canopies fluttering in the wind, firecrackers crackling, and dozens of boats shuttling across the river, the scene was spectacular.

Patients stood by the shore, capturing the spectacle on their phones, and many even video‑called their families to share the grand occasion in real time.

Healing Beyond Cure: The Heart of Medicine

From the drumbeats at Luntou Village to the songs and laughter in the ninth-floor conference room, from the wish wall in the lobby to the fragrant reed leaves twined around their fingers—this Dragon Boat Festival offered international patients at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou a cultural journey that moved from observation to participation, from festivity to therapy. At Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, festivals are never mere dates on a calendar; they are heartfelt gatherings carefully prepared, and companionship that transcends borders. As one patient put it,“Here, I not only receive treatment—I gain joy and warmth.”