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The former China Jiangnan Net Boat Festival in Wangjiangjing town, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

The 2024 China Jiangnan Net Boat Festival, a unique water temple fair, is set to open on April 10 in Wangjiangjing town, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. The event will see fishermen from the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions form a 5-kilometer-long procession of net boats.

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item since 2011, the net boat festival is a testament to the town's commitment to cultural preservation.

The festival will commence at Liuwang Temple Performance Plaza, promising a display of thousands of boats and a rich tapestry of traditional and modern activities. It has historically drawn tens of thousands of enthusiasts, captivated by its traditional charm.

Visitors can expect to witness authentic folk activities, including a tai bai chuan (a kind of rowing competition popular in Jiaxing) performance and dragon dancing.

The festival also features a variety of events, such as races, photography contests, and a kite festival, mainly taking place in April and May.