CCTV News: Every year on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, some areas in Guangdong have a tradition of "starting dragons", that is, dig up and wash dragon boats buried deep in ponds and other places to welcome the Dragon Boat Festival race. On May 5, a "dragon-raising" ceremony was held in Pantang Village, Liwan District, Guangzhou.

In the morning, the colorful flags of Liwan Lake in Guangzhou were flying, and it was very lively. Dozens of villagers worked together to slowly lift the dragon boat buried at the bottom of the lake in the "Dragon Boat Stem".

Liu Yongzhou, president of Pantang Siyou Dragon Boat Association, introduced that a custom has formed from the eighth day of April, which is the starting point for dragon boats to snatch dragon boats.

Seven dragon ships were launched this time, among which the "Renwei No. 1" ship is an "old dragon" with a history of more than 400 years.

After cleaning and maintenance of the dragon boat, the villagers quickly installed the dragon head and tail, placed the dragon boat drum and dragon boat sign on the dragon boat, and couldn't wait to start trying the waters and slashing.

This "dragon start" also marks the beginning of the 2025 Liwan Dragon Boat Festival Dragon Boat Season. In the following June, there will be many folk activities such as Dragon Boat Invitational and Dragon Boat Festival Tour.