After a 20-year hiatus, the highly anticipated "Parade of Dragons" will once again grace the waters of the Huadi River in Guangzhou's Liwan District. This year's Dragon Boat Festival event, themed "Dragon Rising on Huadi, Spectacular Liwan," promises to be a grand spectacle, featuring 30 traditional dragon boats competing in a dazzling display of tradition and skill.

For the first time in over two decades, the traditional dragon boats of Dongjiao will return to the Huadi River. To prepare for this event, the 30 participating boats have undergone meticulous decoration processes, following customs that date back centuries. The dragon boats are installed in the order of the first dragon head, then the dragon tail, and finally the dragon body. Each boat has been adorned with six essential elements: Shendou (神斗), banners, umbrellas, plaques, gongs, and drums. This extensive preparation ensures that the boats are presented in their best form, ready to impress the audience.

The event will showcase the dragon boat races and offer an immersive cultural experience. Prominent figures in the dragon boat community, including inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and dragon boat experts from various village associations, will be present. These "living dictionaries" of Liwan's dragon boat culture will share their knowledge and stories. Li Nianzhong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Guangdong Dragon Boat Association, will host the event, providing live commentary and cultural insights.

The parade will feature various themed flotillas, each representing different aspects of Liwan's heritage, such as "Lingnan Intangible Heritage," "Millennial Flower Town," "Rural Charm," and "Urban Vitality." These themes will be expressed through innovative decorations and presentations, blending traditional customs with contemporary elements. The event aims to demonstrate the dynamic and youthful side of dragon boat culture, ensuring its relevance for future generations.

Event Details

Date and Time: June 15, starting in the morning

Location: From Dongjiao Bridge (東漖大橋) to Huadi River Jiansha water gate (花地河劍沙水閘水道)

Activities:

1. Opening ceremony featuring flying dragons and lion dance performances

2. Parade of five dragon boat flotillas

3. Single boat displays

4. Award ceremony for the dragon boat events

Important Reminders

1. Parking: No public parking spaces will be available at the event site. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation.

2. Weather: Guangzhou weather remains hot and rainy post-Dragon Boat Festival. Spectators should bring umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen.

3. Safety: Follow instructions from on-site staff, stay within designated safe areas along the riverbank, and supervise children closely. Maintain cleanliness and order.

Traffic and Transportation Information

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place around the event area. Attendees should plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with on-site staff.

Location: Between Dongjiao Bridge and Yuwei Bridge (Yuwei West Road)

Entry Point: Right side of the greenway at Guangzhou Bulian Training Base (廣州步聯訓練基地)

By Car/Taxi: Navigate to "Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine University (廣州中醫藥大學第三附屬醫院)," then walk towards Yuwei West Road.

By Metro/Bus: Exit at Kengkou Station (坑口) on Guangzhou Metro Line 1, then transfer to one of the following buses:

- Bus 990, Guangzhou 412, Foshan 275 to "Fangcun Sports Center Station (芳村體育中心站)"

- Bus 487, 812 to "Jiao Shi Xin Cun Zhan (教師新村站)"

- Bus 962 to "Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine University Station (廣州中醫藥大學第三附屬醫院)"

Live Streaming

For those unable to attend in person, Liwan District will livestream the entire event on June 15. Viewers are welcome to tune in for the festivities.

This year's Dragon Boat Festival in Liwan promises to be a vibrant celebration of heritage and innovation, bringing together the community in a unique cultural festivity.