This picture book explains how the dragon became a central symbol of Chinese culture and how the rain-making festival at the beginning of summer honoured the River Dragons and their power over water. Boats with prows carved as dragon heads feature in fierce competitions, both to invoke these mythical powers and to commemorate the drowning of a legendary poet, Qu Yuan. Colourful paintings convey the drama and excitement of this festival, and the many customs with which it is associated.