Guizhou wraps up month-long Water Dragon Festival

In July, locals in Pingtang county, Guizhou province, carried handcrafted dragons through the streets and sprinkled water to celebrate the annual Water Dragon Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In July, locals in Pingtang county, Guizhou province, carried handcrafted dragons through the streets and sprinkled water to celebrate the annual Water Dragon Festival.

This year's celebration lasted an entire month. The parade featured nine dragons made from bamboo and straw, each accompanied by an escort troupe. Whenever the dragons emerged, powerful drumbeats echoed through the streets, drawing tourists and locals to stop and admire the display.

Local media said that the tradition began during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). According to legend, a dragon once ended a severe drought in Pingtang. Ever since, villagers have created green dragons every year and sprinkled water to ask for timely rains and bountiful harvests.

In July, locals in Pingtang county, Guizhou province, carried handcrafted dragons through the streets and sprinkled water to celebrate the annual Water Dragon Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In July, locals in Pingtang county, Guizhou province, carried handcrafted dragons through the streets and sprinkled water to celebrate the annual Water Dragon Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In July, locals in Pingtang county, Guizhou province, carried handcrafted dragons through the streets and sprinkled water to celebrate the annual Water Dragon Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]