In the mist-shrouded waterways of Majiu, a 900-year-old Jiangnan water town in Zhejiang province, a unique fusion of tradition and modernity is making waves. Residents now navigate their historic canals wearing flowing Hanfu robes while competing in rowing competitions, creating living postcards that blend China's cultural heritage with contemporary tourism.
The town's annual Hanfu Rowing Festival, recently joined by international journalists including CGTN's He Jingyi, has become an economic lifeline. Once dependent on small-scale trade, Majiu now welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually who come to witness the spectacle of oars slicing through jade-green waters beneath arched stone bridges.
"This isn't just sport – it's cultural preservation," explained local tour guide Lin Wei, adjusting his wide-sleeved robe before demonstrating traditional rowing techniques. The events have spurred new homestays, artisan workshops, and a 40% increase in regional tourism revenue since 2022 according to provincial data.
For business analysts, Majiu's transformation offers insights into China's rural revitalization strategies. The town successfully leveraged its UNESCO-recognized architecture and intangible cultural heritage to create sustainable development models applicable to other historic communities across Asia.
