Numerous boats gather on the water in Xiuzhou district, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The boat fair in Xiuzhou district, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province is a gathering of fishermen on the waters, which is related to the production and life of fishermen in the south of the Yangtze River.

The fair, with a history of over one hundred years, is held to worship Liu Chengzhong, a hero in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) who led a fight against locusts.

Around the Tomb-Sweeping Day (April 5) and Mid-Autumn Festival (on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month), fishermen from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces and Shanghai gather together in Xiuzhou to pray for the hero's blessing for good harvests in farming and fishing, as well as a peaceful and safe life.

There are folk performances such as dragon dance, lion dance and waist drum held at the fair, and visitors may also enjoy some local snacks while watching the performances.

Xiuzhou Boat Fair was elected as one of the nation's intangible cultural heritages in May 2011.