The Tianhe Central Business District of Guangzhou was abuzz with festivities on June 19, the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, as the traditional "Zhaojing" gatherings, a Cantonese custom for the festival, took place on the Liede River. Over 100 dragon boats filled the waterway, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Liede village has a long-standing tradition of hosting the parades for the Dragon Boat Festival. In the days leading up to the event, the village extended invitations to neighboring villages to participate. On the day of the festival, these villages arrived in their dragon boats, symbolically "visiting" Liede. After the parade, villagers prepared traditional snacks, such as dragon boat cakes and treats, to welcome their guests, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the villages.

This year, more than 100 dragon boats joined the celebration. Liede village prepared over 1,000 tables of dragon boat meals, ensuring a grand and festive occasion for all participants.

The event not only highlighted the cultural richness of the Dragon Boat Festival in the region but also strengthened the bonds between neighboring communities.

Dragon boats from neighboring villages come together for the "Zhaojing" event, a Cantonese custom for the Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo/thnet.gov.cn]