On May 15, the eighth day of the fourth lunar month on the traditional Chinese calendar, dozens of dragon boats were dug out from the river bed in preparation for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, which this year falls on June 10.

The traditional dragon boats are made of giam wood, which is corrosion-resistant but not suitable for long exposure to the wind or sun. Therefore, dragon boats are buried deep at the river’s bottom and covered with mud to prevent them from sustaining any damage after the Dragon Boat Festival.

A blessing ceremony is held before dragon boats are dug out from the river bed, with people wishing for clement weather, peace, and prosperity. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

People from Tianhe's Liede village clean the dragon boats. The village has this year dug 12 dragon boats from the bottom of the river. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]