The dragon boat festival officially launches Monday, but in many places, the racing has already begun, including in the old town of Zhenyuan in Southwest China. Zhenyuan is an ancient county straddling the Wuyang River, in southwest China’s Guizhou province. And the dragon boat race for the Duanwu Festival is on the national cultural heritage list.

When it comes to dragon boat culture, Huang Andong is the man to go to in Zhenyuan. Before the race, he always leads the dragon worshipping ceremony.

Huang Andong, cultural heritage practitioner, said, “This will bring the local people a good harvest, good health and good luck throughout the year. It also means success for the dragon boat race.” CCTV’s Song Yaotian reports with more on this colorful festival.

Dragon boat festival kicks off in Southwest China on Monday

The dragon boat festival officially launches Monday, but in many places, the racing has already begun, including in the old town of Zhenyuan in Southwest China. CCTV's Song Yaotian reports.

June 1st also marks a special day for children across parts of the world. Many schools in China are throwing parties for students to celebrate International Children’s Day. CCTV’s Hu Chao went to a primary school for the children of migrant workers in northern China to see how they prepared for the holiday.

Children\'s day: Children of Chinese migrant workers put on shows

June 1st also marks a special day for children across parts of the world. Many schools in China are throwing parties for students to celebrate International Children's Day. CCTV's Hu Chao went to a primary school for the children of migrant workers in northern China to see how they prepared for the holiday.