Dozens of locals gathered in Xiaoyang community – in the Jiangyan district of Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province on March 2 – to practice hard for this year's Qintong Boat Festival.
Locals flex their muscles and prepare for the upcoming boat festival. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_d6cb78f80c03]
The event, organized by the Jiangyan Economic Development Zone, aims to raise the profile of boating and follow in the footsteps of traditional local boating customs.
Situated in the heart of Jiangsu province and north of the Yangtze River, the Jiangyan district is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, thriving tourism and abundant water resources.
The Qintong Boat Festival stands as a prominent cultural affair in the area. Dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), this festival originally served as a commemoration for war victims during the Qingming Festival.
Thrilling sights like this can be seen throughout the Qintong Boat Festival. [Photo provided to etaizhou.gov.cn]
Over time, the tradition has been meticulously preserved and actively promoted, offering a captivating spectacle of numerous boats coming together.
This festival was recognized and added to the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008. It serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring traditions and rich history of the region, drawing both locals and visitors to partake in its celebration of heritage and community.