File photo: Blessing ceremony at Bencha Ancient Town. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Rudong, a county in Nantong, Jiangsu province, is set to host a unique cultural extravaganza at Bencha Ancient Town to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on June 19 this year.

From June 19 to 20, this ancient town will arrange a dazzling array of activities that combine traditional customs with interactive fun.

Dragon boat race

Time: 3 pm on June 20

Location: Benhe River

Experience the thrill as hundreds of paddles churn the water and drums thunder across the ancient canal. Watch the dragon boat athletes race with vigor and feel the momentum of paddles slicing through waves like flying swords.

Zongzi King competition

Time: 3:30 pm on June 19

Location: Minghai Theater

Join the ancient town's challenge to compete in a zongzi-making contest! With glutinous rice, bamboo leaves, and fillings provided, whether you're crafting traditional triangular zongzi or creatively shaped ones, you have the chance to win the title of "Zongzi King" and exclusive gifts.

Blessing ceremony

Time: 7:28 pm on June 19

Location: Benhe River

Amid the melodious ancient music, join the town's residents in praying for good weather and national well-being, and feel the solemnity and warmth of traditional culture.

Traditional folk games

Time: 10 am-11:30 am / 1 pm-6 pm on June 19-20

Locations:

Zhuangyuan Arch to enjoy a game of rock-paper-scissors

Zhenmin Square for pitch-pot, cuju (an ancient Chinese ball game) and iron hoop rolling

Zhongshi and Dongda streets for a poetry quiz

Guandi Temple Square for ball touching and ring toss games

Nansha Arch for cockfighting

For detailed game rules, please refer to the posters at each location.