Dragon boats raced across the river under the summer sun, as spectators on the 
shores screamed while drums on the boats roared. That was a part of the 
excitement of the "Shui Yun Jing Du" Dragon Boat Invitational that took place 
on the afternoon of June 20th in Yulin of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. On 
the same day, the opening ceremony of the "Dragon of Duanwu, Tides of Yulin" 
2023 Yulin City Duanwu Cultural Carnival and Mid-year Joyful Life and Happy 
Shopping campaign were held inside the Yulin Garden Expo Park.

This year, the traditional Chinese celebration of the Duanwu Festival is to be 
celebrated on June 22nd. Savoring zongzi glutinous rice dumplings, enjoying 
intangible cultural heritage and watching dragon boat races have long been 
traditional Duanwu customs in Yulin beloved by local folks. Between the 20th 
and the 24th, the city of Yulin hosted around a dozen activities including the 
likes of "Shui Yun Jing Du" Dragon Boat Invitational, "Yulin Style, China Chic" 
Intangible Cultural Heritage Bazaar and commencement ceremony of the 2023 
Guangxi Culture Tourism Consumption Night Market (Yulin - Main Market). Various 
counties, cities and districts of Yulin also synchronously sponsored and 
organized unique cultural tourism and commercial events, totaling over 25 
activities in all, according to the Publicity Department of Yulin Municipal 
Government.

On the day of the opening ceremony, festivities kicked off with a performance 
named Jubilation of Dragon and Lion, alongside Hakka Charms, a tea-picking 
opera of the southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and a national-level 
intangible cultural heritage. In addition, an acrobatic circus act titled Power 
and Beauty, performed by Bobai County Folk Culture and Art Protection, 
Inheritance and Performance Center, also garnered thunderous applause. Yulin's 
acrobatics are renowned for innovative development, having won numerous awards 
and have been performed in over 30 nations and regions.

At the Yulin Garden Expo Park, the "Yulin Style, China Chic" Intangible 
Cultural Heritage Bazaar was buzzing with activities. The sponsor organized 
more than 30 stands for intangible cultural heritage, trendy goods and foods, 
creating an immersive arcade emanating old-school charms and China chic, 
allowing visitors to revel in the funs of traditional culture while enjoying a 
good time.

During the "Shui Yun Jing Du" Dragon Boat Invitational, 12 dragon boat teams 
competed in a thrilling race. Featuring a 300-meters course, four racing lanes, 
22-person vessels and more than 300 racers, this race attracted throngs of 
locals and visitors alike to gather on the banks of the river and experience 
from a point-blank distance the unique charisma and excitement of Duanwu 
Festival. Thumping drum beats amplified passionate cheers and shouts, and the 
atmosphere pulsated with energy.

Located in the southeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin is a 
beautiful place and in recent years the city has simultaneously carried out 
numerous measures to promote the high-quality development of its culture and 
tourism industries. Positioning itself as a "strong city of culture and 
tourism", Yulin has been included in the second batch of national culture and 
tourism consumption pilot cities and the list of the top hundred cities for 
health tourism in China.

Source: The Publicity Department of Yulin Municipal Government

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=441307

   Caption: Exciting action on-site at the "Shui Yun Jing Du" Dragon Boat 
Invitational