Tourists and villagers raise a toast on Tuesday during a fish-themed banquet in Dongheng village in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. XIE SHANGGUO/FOR CHINA DAILY

A grand long-table banquet was held on Dec 26 in Dongheng village, located in Luoshe town, Deqing county of Huzhou, to celebrate the bountiful fish harvest.

This annual event has become a cherished tradition in the village, serving as a joyful prelude to welcoming the New Year.

Luoshe town, known for its intricate network of rivers, stands as a quintessential water town in the Jiangnan region, situated in the southern part of the Yangtze River. The local villagers have long relied on fish farming as their primary livelihood, giving rise to a rich tapestry of traditional customs centered around fish.

Beyond the sumptuous banquet, the festivities featured a captivating array of local folk performances. The enchanting dragon dance, rhythmic drumming, and graceful silk horse lantern dance took center stage, captivating the audience and offering a glimpse into the vibrant folk culture that has played a pivotal role in the development of rural tourism.