More than 1,000 people took part in a special cultural festival held in Nancun town of Panyu district, Guangzhou on July 15.

The festival features a wide range of activities including carving dragon head for dragon boats and making Guangcai ceramics (a kind of Guangzhou-based pottery featuring exquisite patterns and varied colors).

Children from Nancun town of Panyu district, Guangzhou play traditional Chinese musical instruments at the second Nancun Cultural Festival, on July 15. [Photo/xkb.com.cn]

During the Second Nancun Cultural Festival, launch ceremonies for two workshops, the Chen Shaoqiu Guang Embroidery workshop and the Liang Shaobo Guangcai workshop were also held to promote the cultural heritages of Guangcai and Guang embroidery.

The visitors were able to watch craftsmen carve dragon heads, take part in making Guangcai pottery and even attempt the tricky task of dividing the thread used in Guang embroidery.

A folk artist teaches the techniques of Guang embroidery to visitors at the second Nancun Cultural Festival.[Photo/southcn.com]

Liang Zhenhong, 73, a folk artist from Nancun and honorary chairman of Nancun Literary and Art Association, said, "The atmosphere of the cultural festival is getting better and the activities are more interesting than before." He added that the cultural festival will help promote local tradition and culture as well as introduce people to traditional artworks.

Liang learned to carve when he was just 15 and enjoys a good reputation as a fine carver of dragon boat heads.

"Carving a dragon head involves many important procedures including selecting materials, the carving itself, sanding and lacquering which all calls for great patience and prudence."

A lion dance is performed at the second Nancun Cultural Festival,held on July 15 in Nancun town of Panyu district, Guangzhou.[Photo/southcn.com]