Surrounded by skyscrapers in Zhujiang New Town CBD, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Liede urban village retains its rich traditional charm. With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, the village recently kicked off its annual celebrations with the awakening of the boats.
Residents clean dragon boats in Liede urban village, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, May 17, 2026. (People’s Daily Online/Wu Yuyangyang)
“Starting from the first day of the fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the celebrations last over two weeks. A series of time-honored rituals — dragon boat raising, painting flowers and ‘caiqing’ (greenery picking) — bring the dragon boats back to life after a year of rest,” said Li Chiying, chairman of Guangzhou Liede Economic Development Co., Ltd. This annual tradition lies at the core of Liede’s cherished spirit.
On the day of the awakening ritual, more than 100 villagers jumped into the dragon boat pond. Together they raised 14 dragon boats from the water where they had rested for a year — red and flower-patterned.
A resident paints decorations on dragon boats in Liede urban village, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, May 23, 2026. (People’s Daily Online/Wu Yuyangyang)
Once the boats were cleaned, villagers painted decorations on them. “Most designs feature local fruits and Eight Immortals’ treasures from ancient Chinese legend,” said Li, adding that the motifs carry villagers’ wishes for a good life.
A large crowd gathers to watch the dragon boat caiqing ceremony in Liede urban village, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 6, 2026. (People’s Daily Online/Han Yuxuan)
The caiqing ceremony is held on an auspicious day. Villagers fit dragon heads and tails onto the boats, while elders place fresh rice shoots at the bow and stern. Residents of all ages then join in the festivities, marking the start of the dragon boat season.
The Liede Dragon Boat Team plans to travel to the U.K. to take part in the U.K. Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, Li said, bringing the charm of traditional Chinese culture to the world.
(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)