Full coverage: Dragon Boat Festival
You've no doubt heard of Dragon-Boat racing, but have you heard of Dragon-Boat fighting?! We pay a visit now to the Tujia ethnic group in southwestern China's Guizhou Province and see how a long-cherished tradition is creating quite a show.
Two dragon boats set off from each side of the river, paddlers racing and chanting to the beat of the drummers. But it's not about how fast they can be -- when the two boats meet in the middle of the river, the strongest paddlers of the two teams begin to fight! The winners takes the title and lead the prayers for the village.
Two dragon boats set off from each side of the river, paddlers racing and chanting to the beat of the drummers. But it's not about how fast they can be -- when the two boats meet in the middle of the river, the strongest paddlers of the two teams begin to fight! The winners takes the title and lead the prayers for the village.
This is how the Tujia ethnic group in Guizhou mark the annual 'Duanwu' - or Dragon Boat - Festival. And the participants come from all walks of life.
"I'm really excited to be part of this year's competition, which is held every year at this time of year. I think it fully showcases our Tujia ethnic group's spirit. So I'm honored to be part of it," said a man.
Spectators crowding the river banks are thrilled by the spectacle.
"I've never seen such a thing before. It really shows the diversity of folk culture of the ethnic groups. I'm glad to be here for the event," said Mao Zhixia, a photographer.
The Tujia ethnic group has embraced Dragon-Boat fighting for more than 300 years. These days, it's become a kind of calling card of their culture.