The "Dragon Rising on Huadi, Spectacular Liwan," 2024 Dragon Boat Festival event took place on the Huadi River in Guangzhou's Liwan on June 15. This highly anticipated return of the Dongjiao Dragon Boat spectacle, awaited for over 20 years by Liwan communities, featured 30 dragon boat teams from various local economic associations. The event drew over 10,000 residents and tourists, showcasing a blend of traditional folk culture and contemporary vibrancy.
The festivities began with a flag-raising
ceremony. At 10 a.m., the 30 dragon boats representing various
associations from Liwan, lined up for inspection and flag
reception.
Notable dragon boats participated in the parade, including the historic 600-year-old Duntou Old Dragon Boat, the "Godson" Pantang Protruding-Eye Dragon Boat and the frequently victorious Shaxi Dragon Boat, known for its competition prowess.
Seventy-year-old Uncle Liang expressed his excitement, reminiscing about his youth when he participated in the Dongjiao Dragon Boat races and led his village to multiple victories in the early 1980s. "I never imagined seeing the Dongjiao spectacle again after 20 years. The current scene is even more vibrant than in our days, and the environment around Huadi River has improved. It's wonderful to see our traditions being passed down through the generations," he said.
The dragon boat parade, accompanied by lion dances and flying dragon performances, officially commenced with 30 dragon boats divided into five contingents. These contingents showcased themes, such as "Lingnan Intangible Cultural Heritage," "Party Building Leadership," "Millennium Flower Town," "Rural Revitalization," and "Urban Transformation," merging dragon boat culture with Liwan's unique characteristics to create a traditional yet innovative celebration.
After intense competition, the Dongjiao South Village Dragon Boat Association emerged victorious, thanks to their stunning decorations and exceptional teamwork. Team leader Liang Minchi shared his joy: "Winning first place is thrilling! This honor belongs to all the brothers and our entire village."
Liang Minchi emphasized that while winning is gratifying, the spirit of unity, striving and progress embodies the essence of dragon boat culture. As a second-generation dragon boat racer, Liang has taken the helm from his predecessors, symbolizing the new generation of Liwan villagers who are equally dedicated and pioneering in rural revitalization, embodying the dragon boat spirit of the new era.
Li Nianzhong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Guangdong Dragon Boat Association, attended the event as a guest host. He said, "As one of the birthplaces of dragon boat culture in the Guangfu region, Liwan has maintained its dragon boat traditions exceptionally well. The revival of the Dongjiao spectacle on the Huadi River today is profoundly significant."
Reporter | Clarice
Photo provided to GDToday
Editor | Monica, James
