The 2025 Qintong Boat Festival unfolded in grand style on April 6 at the Qinhu Lake National Wetland Park in Jiangyan district, Taizhou. Over 500 boats and thousands of performers thrilled spectators with vibrant displays of traditional rowing and folk rituals, bringing to life a centuries-old cultural spectacle.
The 2025 Qintong Boat Festival unfolds at the Qinhu Lake National Wetland Park in Jiangyan district, Taizhou, on April 6. [Photo/WeChat account: jyrmzf]
Boats sail on Qinhu Lake during the 2025 Qintong Boat Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: jyrmzf]
This year's festival featured five immersive chapters—"Boat Sentiment", "Boat Heritage", "Boat Tribute", "Boat Race", and "Boat Blessing"—combining theatrical storytelling with interactive experiences to present a vivid picture of Jiangyan's water-town charm and rich folk traditions.
The leading ceremonial boat made a dramatic entrance at the beginning of the event, captivating audiences like a mighty dragon gliding across the water. Adorned with calligraphy inviting visitors to explore Jiangyan's cultural heritage and scenic beauty, the boat set the tone for a celebration that blends tradition with modern creativity.
Following closely were elaborately decorated tribute boats, each designed in unique styles, showcasing a rich array of national, artistic, and vivid designs. This fully highlighted the historical origins and cultural charm of the festival, as well as the new image of Jiangyan's industrial upgrade, urban enhancement, and improved quality of life for its residents.
An ornately decorated tribute boat sails on Qinhu Lake during the 2025 Qintong Boat Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: jyrmzf]
The excitement peaked with fiercely contested races—20 dragon boats, 40 pole boats, and 20 paddle boats competed across the lake, while spectators enjoyed multimedia shows and live performances along the shore.
Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the Qintong Boat Festival dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Today, it stands as a cultural hallmark of Jiangyan, boosting local tourism and cultural pride.
During this year's festival, Jiangyan will also host a forum on integrated innovation in science, technology, and industry, bringing together leaders from academia, finance, and business to foster collaboration and promote the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation.