Straddling the Wuyang River, the county of Zhenyuan in Guizhou is home to one of the best preserved Dragon Boat Festival traditions in China.
The county is known for its rich Taoist and Buddhist culture, and its dragon boat celebration was listed as a National Intangible Heritage.
Before dragon boat races begin on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (June 9 this year), the paddlers have to be blessed. Every year, a grand dragon worshipping ceremony takes place, where honorary guests and spiritual leaders parade a dragon's head before placing it at an altar and praying for good weather and a bumper harvest.
"This will bring the local people a good harvest, good health and good luck throughout the year. It also means success for the dragon boat race," said Huang Andong, a cultural heritage practitioner who often leads the ceremony.
With the ceremonial worshipping completed, the races can begin. Long wooden boats, often carrying as many as 50 men, are commandeered by a drum master at the front. More than 20 dragon teams made up of residents from surrounding villages, towns and counties participate every year in the hope of being crowned champions. Though traditionally a male-dominated sport, the age-old event opened up to female teams in 2013.
"In our Zhenyuan county, no matter male or female, all can participate in the dragon boat race. Winning is not the most important thing. What’s enjoyable is the process," said Xu Yinping, a Zhengyuan resident.
As the dragon boat race reaches a climatic ending, spectators on the banks of the river toss Zhonzi to winning racers, while less appetizing cucumbers are thrown the way of losing racers.
Dragon boat racing is not the only activity held during the festival. The unique folk custom of duck catching is a sight to behold on the day, as hundreds of ducks are scattered by handlers along the river. The animals however, regarded as sacred in Zhenyuan, prove elusive creatures as they fly or swim quickly away to avoid being caught. Catching one is not as easy as it seems, but those quick enough to grab one will have good luck for a year, according to local customs.
Edited by Yang Fan and Jacob Hooson
