China Manufacturers Gear-Up For The Dragon Boat Festival

One important thing to consider when importing manufactured products from China manufacturers, is cultural events that might pause or slow down production.

For example, around June of each year, the Chinese people and China manufacturers prepare for a special celebration called the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival

The festival--also known by the people of China as the Tuen Ng or Duanwu Festival--is both a traditional and statutory holiday. The holiday's origins are not exactly known. Some say it has to do with the suicide of a beloved poet, Qu Yuan, during the Zhou Dynasty. Others say it has to do with a father named Cao Xu and his daughter Cao E during the period of 130 to 143 AD. The father was a shaman who accidentally fell into the Shun River. His daughter searched for him for three days. The two were found dead five days after--according to legend. Some historians believe that the holiday is even older and could date back to the time when the Chinese worshiped dragon deities.

Regardless of its origin, people take a few days off from working with China manufacturers to celebrate and gather with family and friends. The holiday includes, not only racing the dragon boats, but also, viewing the most creative and decorative vessels, eating sticky rice or zongzi, marine festivities, and drinking wine.

How Chinese Festivals Can Affect Production

American companies should definitely plan for slowdowns in production during festivals like these, as they are celebrated nationally. Since production turnaround times can be tricky around this kind of holiday, it’s best to negotiate an increase in production well before June to ensure that you have a surplus of product, or get orders in early enough to expect precedence when companies re-open after the holidays.

Whether it be the Dragon Boat Festival or any Chinese observed holiday, it’s best for US companies to be aware of all holidays so that they can plan ahead, and be prepared to ride the changes in production without facing hiccups or hang-ups when it comes to meeting customer demand.

Learn more about China manufacturing.