A spectacular drone show lit up the night sky over the Bu’erhatong River in Yanji, Jilin Province, as residents celebrated the traditional Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, which fell on June 10 this year.
Hundreds of colorful drones synchronized to form breathtaking shapes, including a soaring Chinese dragon and paddlers rowing a dragon boat, captivating onlookers along the riverbanks. The display culminated with the illuminated message, “Wishing you all the best for the Dragon Boat Festival,” bringing cheers from the crowds below.
The Dragon Boat Festival is a significant cultural event in China, commemorating the ancient poet and minister Qu Yuan. It is traditionally marked by dragon boat races, eating zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), and placing fragrant herbs to ward off evil spirits.
This modern twist on the festival’s customs highlights the blend of tradition and innovation in the Chinese mainland. One spectator remarked, “It’s amazing to see our traditional festival celebrated with such advanced technology. It brings a new energy to our cultural heritage.”
The event not only delighted local residents but also attracted visitors and tourists, showcasing Yanji’s unique cultural appeal. The city, known for its rich ethnic diversity and border location near the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), continues to promote cultural events that bolster community spirit and cultural pride.
The successful drone show reflects a growing trend in the Chinese mainland to incorporate technology into cultural celebrations, offering fresh perspectives on time-honored traditions and engaging younger generations in the preservation of cultural identity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
