Shibing, Guizhou: Miao Dragon Boat Festival starts

A dragon boat is ready to compete in the Miao Dragon Boat Festival. Fengli photography

A dragon boat is ready to go at the Miao Dragon Boat Festival. Fengli photography

A dragon boat full of “blessings” is hung on the Miao people’s canoe Dragon Boat Festival. Fengli photography

A dragon boat pushes forward at the Miao people’s canoe Dragon Boat Festival. Fengli photography

At the Miao people’s canoe Dragon Boat Festival, canoes are chasing each other. Fengli photography

Dragon boats ready to go at the Miao Dragon Boat Festival. Fengli photography

At the Miao people’s canoe Dragon Boat Festival, canoes are chasing each other. Fengli photography

At the Miao Dragon Boat Festival, the “dragon” preparing for the competition is in the crowd. Fengli photography

The annual Qingshui River Miao Dragon Boat Festival kicked off in Pingzhai Miao village, Shuangjing Town, Shibing County, Guizhou Province on the 22nd. After the ritual ceremony of “inviting water” for the traditional activity, the first competition was held for the canoe dragon boats of dozens of Miao villages along the Qingshui River from Pingzhai village of Shibing town to Liuhe village of Mahao town. The canoe dragon boat will also go to Shidong Town, Taijiang County, Liuhe village, Shibing county and other river sections for tournaments and competitions, and finally return to the bronze drum final competition in Shuangjing Town, Shibing county.