On June 21, the Summer Solstice, the 2025 Gaoming District Dragon Boat Parade and Intangible Cultural Heritage Event kicked off at Sucun Pier in Gaoming, Foshan.
Against the shimmering backdrop of the Xijiang River, seven koi-themed dragon boats surged forward like living embodiments of fortune, their oars slicing through the water to paint a vivid portrait of Gaoming's meteoric rise.
Rooted in the waterways of this Xijiang River city, Gaoming's dragon boat tradition spans centuries. This parade marks the revival of a 40-year-old tradition, resurrecting a cultural spectacle that had once faded into memory.
Launching from Su Village Pier, this year's parade transformed the Xijiang River into a dynamic showcase, connecting industrial, cultural, and ecological assets along its banks.
Spectators marveled not only at the aquatic spectacle but also at displays of intangible heritage featuring lion dancing, lantern craftsmanship, and folk ballads—a sensory immersion into Gaoming's cultural soul.
Reporter: Zhu Sujiao
Photo: Dai Jiaxin
Video: Dai Jiaxin, Yang Fuyao
Editor: Wei Shen, James, Shen He
