On May 18, the annual Dragon Boat Caiqing Ceremony took place in Liede village, located inTianhe district, creating a lively atmosphere.

Caiqing, which translates to "picking the green", is an important ceremony that serves to "awaken" the dragon boats in preparation for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, scheduled for May 31 this year.

During the Caiqing Ceremony, a group of rowers steers the dragon boats to the designated "green picking" location without the use of drums or gongs. The group follows the command given by the flag bearers.

Elderly villagers then place green rice seedlings on the dragon boats, symbolizing vitality and prosperity. Following this symbolic act, fireworks are set off, drums are beaten, gongs are struck, and the dragon boats are awakened.

After the Caiqing Ceremony, Liede village will continue to hold traditional activities such as dragon boat races.

Multiple dragon boats glide along the Liede River, poised to be awakened through the traditional Dragon Boat Caiqing Ceremony. [Photo by He Zhuanying/Guangzhou Daily]