Cultural charm of Grand Canal set to delight Dragon Boat festivalgoers

Beijing is set to hold a variety of activities to celebrate this year's Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on Saturday.

From Thursday to Monday, five major events will take place in the city's Xicheng district, home to the northern terminus of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. These include a dragon boat race, a high-level dialogue, a concert, a food festival, and a hanfu show.

The activities aim to showcase the cultural charm of the Grand Canal, support the inheritance and protection of its heritage, and foster the integrated development of culture, commerce, tourism and sports, organizers said.

Focusing on canal cities and the water-based economy, the high-level dialogue will delve into topics such as the economic value of waterways and the revitalization of cultural heritage. Shan Jixiang, director of the expert committee at the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, and Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, will deliver keynote speeches during the event.

The international food festival is expected to gather not only specialties from Beijing and Hangzhou but iconic cuisines of countries with famous canals such as Panama, Belgium and France.

More than culinary delights, visitors to the event can join in traditional festive celebrations including hanging wormwood and weaving five-color silk string, which is believed to protect people from evil.

In addition, they can take a boat tour around Shichahai Lake and watch the grand canal-themed symphony concert held on Thursday on the central island.

The capital's eastern Tongzhou district will host a large cultural market from Thursday to Monday, with 50 booths showcasing cultural products about the grand canal as well as the intangible cultural heritage from the two cities.

Master craftsmen will demonstrate skills such as lacquer carving, Tianzhu bamboo chopstick-making, and fan-making. Meanwhile, performers will present intangible cultural heritage performances such as Jingdong Drum and qinshu, a traditional folk art emphasizing a storytelling style of singing.

The market also features an interactive zone, allowing visitors to learn from artisans and create their own festival-themed shadow puppets.

The annual "Jingyun Manxiang "Cultural Tourism Festival will return to Huairou district from Saturday to Monday, blending culture, art and sci-tech innovation with the unique traditions of the Manchu ethnic group.

At the event's main venue of Dagou village, participants are to be offered performances, scientific and technological exhibitions, as well as a traditional folk market and a special raffle.

Meanwhile, the Tianhechuan Waterfront Park, one of the event's subvenues, will stage a dragon boat race and dance performances by the Manchu ethnic group.

Scenic spots in the city are to launch an array of celebrations to enhance the festive atmosphere and attract tourists.

Exploring the cultural connotations of Dragon Boat Festival, the Beijing Wtown in Miyun district is to set up some immersive scenarios and facilities, enabling tourists to better experience festive customs and promote traditional culture.

zhanglinwan@chinadaily.com.cn