Imagine 160 vibrant dragon boats slicing through the waters of Tongren City in China’s Guizhou Province, their rhythmic drumbeats echoing under the summer sky. 🥁 This electrifying scene marked preparations for the Duanwu Festival (June 10), where ancient traditions meet modern-day excitement.
Crowds gathered along the Bijiang River banks, cheering as teams synchronized oars to the pulse of drums—a centuries-old ritual believed to ward off misfortune and ensure prosperity. 💫 Tongren, dubbed China’s 'Hometown of Traditional Dragon Boats,' has turned this cultural gem into a national treasure: Bijiang’s dragon boat racing earned intangible heritage status in 2011, and the region has hosted 13 major competitions since.
🏆 'It’s more than a race—it’s our history on water,' shared a local participant, reflecting the event’s deep roots. From intricate boat designs to roaring spectators, the festival bridges generations, offering a splash of tradition in today’s fast-paced world.
