Zongzi, the traditional delicacy associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, transcends its role as festive food; it embodies a living symbol of China’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, reflecting the strong ties to ancestral roots and emotional connections to the homeland. In Quanzhou, a city of significant historical importance, zongzi takes on even greater cultural significance, symbolizing the enduring link to maritime traditions and legacies passed down through generations.

　　A Cultural Journey Through Zongzi

　　While working on Legendary Port of Maritime Silk Routes: Zayton (Quanzhou), I had the opportunity to travel across Southeast Asia, observing firsthand the strong cultural bonds upheld by overseas Chinese communities. In 2019, I participated in a cultural exchange programme supported by Taiwan entrepreneurs from Quanzhou. The programme aimed to engage youth with heritage on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Ten university students from diverse backgrounds explored a variety of themes, including religion, architecture, and zongzi, tracing this food tradition across Chinese communities in Taiwan, Quanzhou, Kinmen, and Malaysia.

　　During this journey, the students not only sampled the distinct regional styles of zongzi but also discovered the profound history and meanings embedded in each variation. In Chinese Taiwan, they visited long-standing stores in Nanmen Market, which continue to serve as nostalgic reminders of home for many. In Malaysia, they encountered Feng Auntie Meat Zongzi, a business that has adapted to its new environment by infusing local flavors, leading to innovative creations such as Nyonya zongzi and crystal zongzi. These examples underscore the adaptability of cultural traditions, evolving with time while maintaining their core significance and emotional resonance.

　　Preserving Heritage in a Changing World

　　For Chinese migrants, zongzi is far more than a mere dish—it is an integral part of their cultural heritage. Yet, traditional zongzi shops now face challenges in an era where younger generations are drawn to modern culinary trends, leading to a decline in demand for traditional foods. Many overseas Chinese communities have responded by incorporating contemporary elements and adopting creative marketing strategies to keep zongzi relevant. This evolution is not merely about altering recipes; it is about preserving the memories of home. From the guozheng zongzi of Central China to Quanzhou’s shaorou zongzi, and Malaysia’s Nyonya zongzi, each variation tells a story of belonging, nostalgia, and cultural continuity.

　　Zongzi, Dragon Boat Racing, and Maritime Heritage

　　Zongzi and dragon boat racing share a deep, intertwined connection, culminating in the vibrant celebrations of the Dragon Boat Festival. In Quanzhou, annual dragon boat races attract teams from across Southeast Asia and China. The rhythmic pounding of drums, coupled with the fragrant aroma of zongzi, fosters a shared sense of cultural identity and heritage. Events like the "Maritime Legacy Roots-Seeking Journey," organised by the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia and the Global Youth of Quanzhou Federation, as well as international dragon boat races hosted by the Quanzhou Overseas Chinese Youth Federation, have elevated these customs. These gatherings offer young people from Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Mainland China the opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral journeys and experience the enduring legacy of maritime heritage firsthand.

　　Conclusion: Passing on Tradition Through Hand, Heart, and Heritage

　　Zongzi is not just a traditional dish; it is a symbol of profound emotional connection that transcends time and place. The responsibility of safeguarding this cultural inheritance now rests with the younger generation. By engaging with their heritage through hands-on activities, heartfelt connections, and meaningful participation, they can help ensure the continued flourishing of Chinese culture.

　　This journey is not merely about understanding the significance of zongzi; it is about exploring the deeper roots of Chinese culture itself. Through cross-cultural exchanges, the warmth and love embedded in these centuries-old traditions are rekindled, ensuring that the spirit of cultural heritage endures.

　　Together, we can protect and nurture these cherished traditions, ensuring they continue to shine brightly for future generations. By honouring zongzi and the values it represents, we preserve not just a culinary tradition, but also the memories, emotions, and identities that bind us across time and space.

　　Let us continue this shared journey of heritage, hand in hand, heart to heart, passing these traditions on with the same care and respect with which they were entrusted to us.

　　(Dr. Wang Qiang, Professor of Foreign Languages and Tourism at Liming University, Columnist for the Philippine Chinese Commercial News on Maritime Heritage & Culture Roots, Author of The Legendary Port of Maritime Silk Routes:Zayton[Quanzhou], and other works.)