Yangzhou celebrates Dragon Boat Festival in joy

Kayaking enthusiasts experience water sports near the Grand Canal Center in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]

During this year's three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, scenic spots and cultural venues throughout Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, rolled out a plethora of rich and diverse cultural tourism activities, receiving over 2.3 million visits, according to a recent announcement from Yangzhou bureau of culture, radio, film, television and tourism.

The thoughtful integration of traditional festival customs with the city's tourism industry has elevated activities offering cultural experiences, capturing a wide range of attention and favor. Both residents and tourists were welcomed to partake in traditional festive customs such as dragon boat races, crafting zongzi (a festive-specific delicacy), and making sachets.

The first day of the holiday in 2024 coincided with China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. Accordingly, a diverse array of folk performances took center stage, enveloping residents and visitors in the allure of local traditional culture. At the Slender West Lake scenic area, attendees were treated to folk song melodies, rod puppetry displays, and ancient-style dances.

Yangzhou qingqu (right) and puppet performances (left) at Geyuan Garden in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]

Data from the municipal culture and tourism bureau reveals that the top five most popular attractions in Yangzhou during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday were Dongguan Street, Slender West Lake, Yunhe Sanwan, Pishi Street, and Geyuan Garden.

Tourists explore the water forests at Luyang Lake Wetland Park in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]