Chinese Culture Festival – Marco Polo Cup Dragon Boat Race

A Chinese festival on the EUR Lake

Every year, at the end of summer, the EUR Lake and the Viale Oceania promenade become the stage for the Chinese Culture Festival, an event hosted by Municipio IX Rome EUR in the heart of the capital's rationalist district. For two days, the Central Lake Park fills with drums, flags, and the aromas of Cantonese cuisine: an event that has become one of the most visible showcases for the Chinese community in Rome, Lazio, and one of the rare Roman events where Asian sports, entertainment, and gastronomy coexist in the same outdoor space.

The Marco Polo Cup Dragon Boat Race

The most anticipated moment is the Marco Polo Cup Dragon Boat Race, the dragon boat regatta that sets the rhythm for the entire event. The long, slender boats are propelled by large crews rowing to the beat of an onboard drum: a discipline born in China over two thousand years ago that has become a recognized competitive sport throughout Europe. The 2025 edition featured eight Chinese crews from various European countries, six Italian teams, and two formations representing Chinese institutions abroad. The public follows the heats directly from the shore, along the path that runs parallel to the lake: a free and highly photogenic spectacle, set against the unmistakable backdrop of the EUR buildings.

Performances, dances, and wushu

Alongside the races, the festival offers a continuous artistic program. The stage hosts national dances from various Chinese regions, traditional music played on string and wind instruments, theater performances, and demonstrations of wushu, the collection of Chinese martial arts. These moments are designed for a diverse audience: Roman families out for a Sunday stroll, Asian culture enthusiasts, and curious visitors discovering disciplines rarely seen in Italy.

The market and flavors

Part of the path is occupied by the market, where artisans and exhibitors present ceramics, traditional objects, calligraphy sessions, and the ancient art of tea, with tastings and explanations of different varieties and preparation rituals. The food and wine stalls complete the experience: steamed dumplings, fried rice, skewers, traditional sweets, and other freshly prepared specialties. It is an opportunity to taste Chinese cuisine that differs from local neighborhood restaurants, closer to authentic festive recipes.

A bridge between Italy and China

The 2025 edition held special significance: it was dedicated to the 55 years of friendship between Italy and China, celebrated under the patronage of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Italy, the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, and Municipio IX. The organization is entrusted to the International Federation of the Chinese Community in Rome. Among the highlights of the edition was Enzo, the celebratory robot presented as a symbol of a future that unites innovation and tradition.

Why it's worth visiting

• A dragon boat regatta with international crews, free and visible from the shore
• Live performances of Chinese dance, music, and martial arts
• Crafts, calligraphy, and tea ceremony market
• Freshly prepared Chinese street food
• A unique setting: the artificial lake and the architecture of the EUR

The Chinese Culture Festival is an accessible, open-air event with free admission, allowing you to experience a distant culture in just a few hours without leaving the city of Rome.