Several teams participate in a dragon boat racing performance in Chuanliao town on June 6. [Photo/Tide News]

The Qingtian Dragon Boat Culture Festival took place in Chuanliao town, Qingtian county, Lishui, Zhejiang province on June 6, as part of an array of activities celebrating the 2024 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, which will fall on June 8.

The event featured captivating performances like the fish lantern dance, as well as traditional rituals such as dragon boat worship and a launching ceremony.

With the sudden sound of drums, dragon boats broke through the calm water, with rowers propelling the boats with synchronized strokes to the delight of enthralled crowds.

"The performance not only showcases the unity and bravery of rowers, but also allows me to feel the charm and power of traditional culture," said resident Zhou Chunju. Despite working abroad, she makes it a point to return annually to witness the festival.

The Qingtian Dragon Boat Cultural Festival can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). It was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Zhejiang in 2009.

Chuanliao town's residents uphold this tradition during the Dragon Boat Festival, organizing competitions and dragon boat banquets.

Zhu Ming, Party secretary of the town, highlighted the innovations this year. The festival brings tourism, delicacy, exhibition, competition, and performance all together, preserving traditional culture in a way that is welcomed by residents, said Zhu.

The event will last for five days, featuring dragon boat racing performances and a variety of stalls offering special Dragon Boat Festival delicacies.