Longtaitou Festival brings folk traditions to life in Zigui
2026-03-20 21:03:37
By Chen Si.
The Longtaitou Festival, known as the day “the dragon raises its head,” was celebrated on March 20 in Zigui County, the hometown of the renowned patriotic poet Qu Yuan (339-278 BC).
The festival falls on the second day of the second lunar month, marking the arrival of spring and the start of farming.
Spring ploughing blessing
Six local orange farmers, dressed in red, carried seedlings and ceremonial hoes to open the spring ploughing ceremony. A host in traditional attire recited prayers and led a simple ritual, offering wishes for a plentiful harvest.
Young people’s vow
Five 18-year-olds dressed in ancient Chu-style customs took a coming-of-age vow to honor Qu Yuan’s spirit and protect their hometown.
Descendants of the Qu clan attend the coronation ceremony. Photo by Peng Qiang
Folk custom experiences
Having one's hair cut was a popular activity at the festival, a time-honored tradition symbolizing wishes for good health and a 'fresh start' for the year. Many visitors also browsed the folk market and picked fresh oranges by themselves.
Dragon Head Feast
The highlight for many was the “Dragon Head Feast”, where 50 round tables groaned under 12 "Dragon-themed" delicacies, each a culinary wish for prosperity.
Tourists and villagers share the Longtaitou Feast. Photo by Peng Qiang
Dragon boat race
The celebration closed with a spirited dragon boat race on the Xiangxi River, as rowers performed rituals and prayed for peace and happiness.
Hu Xingjun, Shi Li, Yu Bo, Yu Mengli also contributed to this story
The Longtaitou Festival, known as the day “the dragon raises its head,” was celebrated on March 20 in Zigui County, the hometown of the renowned patriotic poet Qu Yuan (339-278 BC).
The festival falls on the second day of the second lunar month, marking the arrival of spring and the start of farming.
A lively and vibrant scene at the event.
Photo by Peng Qiang
Photo by Peng Qiang
Spring ploughing blessing
Six local orange farmers, dressed in red, carried seedlings and ceremonial hoes to open the spring ploughing ceremony. A host in traditional attire recited prayers and led a simple ritual, offering wishes for a plentiful harvest.
The spring ploughing ceremony.
Photo by Peng Qiang
Photo by Peng Qiang
Young people’s vow
Five 18-year-olds dressed in ancient Chu-style customs took a coming-of-age vow to honor Qu Yuan’s spirit and protect their hometown.
Descendants of the Qu clan attend the coronation ceremony. Photo by Peng QiangFolk custom experiences
Having one's hair cut was a popular activity at the festival, a time-honored tradition symbolizing wishes for good health and a 'fresh start' for the year. Many visitors also browsed the folk market and picked fresh oranges by themselves.
The eye dotting ceremony.
Photo by Peng Qiang
Photo by Peng Qiang
A visitor has his hair cut at the event.
Photo by Peng Qiang
Photo by Peng Qiang
Villagers put on homemade folk performances to interact with visitors. Photo by Peng Qiang
Dragon Head Feast
The highlight for many was the “Dragon Head Feast”, where 50 round tables groaned under 12 "Dragon-themed" delicacies, each a culinary wish for prosperity.
Tourists and villagers share the Longtaitou Feast. Photo by Peng Qiang
The villagers are serving the guests with dishes. Photo by Peng Qiang
Dragon boat race
The celebration closed with a spirited dragon boat race on the Xiangxi River, as rowers performed rituals and prayed for peace and happiness.
The dragon boat race is underway on Xiangxi River. Photo by Peng Qiang
Hu Xingjun, Shi Li, Yu Bo, Yu Mengli also contributed to this story
