Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese festival created in memory of Qu Yuan, a renowned poet from the Warring States Period (475–221 BC). In Laoling, Dezhou, East China's Shandong province, a national cultural event for the festival was held on June 18, featuring acrobatics, artistic performances, and interactive activities involving traditional Chinese culture.

The event featured three sessions focusing on traditional folk customs, local craftsmanship, and moving stories. Visitors interacted with performers in traditional costumes, experiencing folk activities such as pot-throwing.

Artisans demonstrated local traditions like pancake making, gourd pyrography, and root carving, allowing visitors to sample and purchase traditional products. Stage performances included children's dances, a group recitation of poetry from the Chu Ci (The Songs of Chu) by Qu Yuan, and two heartwarming theatrical pieces.

The event created an immersive experience that brought ancient traditions to life for modern visitors.

A performer does makeup for a child. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

One of Dezhou's iconic acrobatics traditions is performed at the cultural event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A national Dragon Boat Festival event is held in Dezhou, Shandong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]