On May 12, Pantang in Liwan district launched its annual traditional Qilongchuan, a ceremony which literally means to dig the dragon boat out of river sludge.

Traditionally, villagers in the Pearl River Delta start digging their dragon boats that had been put underwater for protection on the eighth day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar, which falls on May 12 this year.  

In Guangzhou, locals usually prepare sacrificial offerings and perform special rituals before bringing the boats above water. They will then clean the boats with special tools and adorn them with distinct decorations.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of the ninth folk customs festival of Liwan district themed around dragon boat races.

Villagers of Pantang pull a dragon boat out of river sludge. [Photo/ycwb.com]

Pantang's most highlighted boat Renwei is 40 meters long and over 400 years old. [Photo/ycwb.com]

Villagers clean the boats with special tools and adorn them with distinct decorations. [Photo/ycwb.com]