Embassy of China Gala Evening Celebration of Chinese Festivals: Dinner, Live Music, & Dance Performances ~ Discover the Joy of the Dragon Boat Festival
Embassy of China Gala Evening Celebration of Chinese Festivals: Dinner, Live Music, & Dance Performances ~ Discover the Joy of the Dragon Boat Festival

Event Date

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Event Address

Embassy of the People's Republic of China
3505 International Place, N.W.
Washington DC 20008

Requested Attire

Cocktail or business attire recommended.

Event Description

Join the International Club of DC for a very special evening at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China as we celebrate the beauty, traditions, and cultural richness of China through an engaging festival experience featuring dinner, live music, dance performances, cultural activities, and hands-on demonstrations.

This special embassy evening presents a wonderful opportunity to experience Chinese culture in one of Washington’s most distinguished diplomatic settings. Guests will enjoy an immersive celebration inspired by the Dragon Boat Festival, one of China’s most meaningful traditional festivals.

Chinese Folk Music Performance

Enjoy an enchanting performance of Chinese folk music featuring traditional Chinese instruments such as erhu (fiddle), dizi (flute), yangqin (dulcimer) and guzheng (harp), etc.

Purple Bamboo Melody
A playful folk tune from the Yangtze River Delta. It captures the rhythmic charm and elegance of Southern China’s historic water towns.

Jasmine Flower
China’s most iconic melody, celebrating the beauty of nature. This timeless song was famously featured in Puccini’s opera, Turandot.

The Sky Road
A tribute to the world’s highest railway reaching the Tibetan Plateau. The music reflects the majesty of the 'Roof of the World' and a spirit of hope.

Discover the Joy of the Dragon Boat Festival

Originating in ancient China, the Dragon Boat Festival honors loyalty, promotes well-being, and celebrates the spirit of community and resilience. Traditionally observed around the summer solstice, the festival is associated with warding off illness, welcoming good fortune, and gathering with family and friends. Festive customs include eating zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and, of course, racing colorful dragon boats. The drums on the dragon boats are said to chase away misfortune, while zongzi symbolize unity, happiness, and fresh starts.

Hands-On Arts and Crafts
Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of cultural activities and demonstrations, including learning how to make zongzi, small crossbody bags, braided bracelets, paper cutting, and calligraphy.

You will also have the opportunity to try on Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, enjoy face painting, take photos with a panda mascot, write wishes on a Wishing Wall, as well as learn more about study in China, Chinese culture and tourism programs, and convenient entry policies for travel to China.

Experience an evening of Chinese culture, hospitality, music, dance, food, tradition, and celebration as we gather for a memorable embassy event honoring the joy and meaning of the Dragon Boat Festival.

 

           TICKETS           
All online ticket sales are final. We are unable to issue refunds for tickets purchased due to expenses incurred to present the event.

Event Agenda (May change)

(The program is subject to change)

6:30 PM Admission

Welcome remarks and diplomatic greeting
Cultural program (Folk music & dance performances)
Dinner buffet of Chinese delicacies

9:00 PM event ends
 

We Are Grateful for Your Support

We greatly appreciate your contribution towards the International Club of DC Inc by making your reservation. Your support makes it possible for us to present diverse cultural events to our members. Kindly note that your contribution is unrelated to the embassy or venue the event is being presented at and all proceeds from the event are used solely by International Club of DC Inc. to cover expenses related to presenting cultural events to our members.

Map/Parking

Uber or other transportation service is highly recommended.

Please note that the map is enclosed below as a courtesy to you and for your convenience but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the map or the directions provided by Google. It is your responsibly to arrive safely and on time at the address of the event disclosed above.

Parking is limited to street parking in the vicinity of the venue. Kindly note that, as is the case in most major cities, the availability of street parking in Washington DC is limited and beyond our control. Due to the limited availability of parking, we highly recommend a cab, Uber/Lyft or other transportation option. The event start at the designated time so please allow sufficient time for traffic/travel/transportation and parking as these factors are beyond our control.

Event Notes

By participating in the event, you accept responsibility to arrive for the event on time. Due to expenses incurred, we are unable to offer refunds if you are unable to attend the event for any reason. Purchase of tickets for the event constitutes your acceptance of our no-refund policy. Event details are subject to change as we continue to refine the event.

Tickets will be released to the person who purchased the tickets upon presenting photo ID. If you purchased more than one ticket, please arrive for admission with your guest(s).

The Chinese Embassy will make its best efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests. For this purpose, we request you to kindly follow the visitor guidelines:

Entrance Security Measures:

1.Guests are expected to show their personal ID at the entrance.
2.Guests and their belongings will go through a security check prior to the entry. A metal detector will be used, and bags will be hand-screened by Embassy security staff.

Visitor Etiquette
At the Embassy compound, visitors SHALL NOT:

1. Interrupt the cultural performance or staff on duty;
2. Smoke;
3. Use loud, abusive or otherwise improper language;
4. Perform obscene or indecent acts;
5. Block aisles or climb upon any part of the building;
6. Participate in unwarranted assemblies;
7. Destroy, damage or remove property;
8. Display or carry placards, signs or banners.

Items Not Permitted in the Embassy
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. weapons (guns, knives, chains, spikes, projectiles, tasers, mace/pepper spray);
2. illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia;
3. laser pointers/pens;
4. air horns, sirens, kazoos, whistles;
5. pets (except service animals);
6. balloons;
7. suitcase or bags larger than 17” x 12”(40cm x 30cm);
8. non-collapsible umbrellas;
9. other items deemed inappropriate by the Embassy Security Staff.