Recently, a candidate list of "the Hometown of Folk Culture and Art in Guangdong Province" was released by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province. 4 towns in Foshan have entered on the lists, including Xiqiao, Nanhai (Lion Dance), Xingtan (Water-town Folk Custom), Jiujiang, Nanhai (Dragon Boat) and Shiwan, Chancheng (Shiwan Ceramic Craft).

How much do you know about these cultural towns? Lets take a look at their charms!

Lion Dance in Xiqiao, Nanhai 

Nanhai is the birthplace of lion dance, and it’s also known as “the source of dragon and lion, and the hometown of Wong Fei-hung". Lion dance activities, which have profound roots locally , took shape as early as in the Sui and Tang Dynasties and became popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

With the rapid economic development, a series of traditional activities including lion dance, lettuce party have given a boost to different lion dance culture, attracting outstanding lion dance teams from surrounding regions such as Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Zhaoqing, etc.

Water-town Folk Custom in Xingtan, Shunde 

With a profound cultural deposit, the oldest eight-tone gong and drum in Xingtan, Shunde has a history of nearly 300 years, and many dragon boat rappers have been passed down the art from generation to generation for more than 200 years.

Xingtan has varied water cultural activities based on its local folk culture. On every Dragon Boat Festival or important celebrative occasions, there are activities such as rowing, dragon boat parade, etc.

Ceramic Craft in Shiwan, Chancheng 

Shiwan Ceramic Craft is a treasure of traditional Chinese art. It is famous for its primitive simplicity, vivid image, elegance, vigorous artistic effect and local characteristics. With various kinds of art ceramics, it has always been welcomed and cherished by the society.

Shiwan Ceramic Craft plays an irreplaceable role in the history of Chinese ceramic art. It has long been loved by people and won the highest awards at home and abroad, and is often collected by art galleries and museums.

Dragon Boat in Jiujiang, Nanhai  

Foshan Dragon Boat is pioneering in Guangdong and even in China, and Jiujiang Dragon Boat in Nanhai has witnessed the historical process of Lingnan Dragon Boat culture. In May, dragon boat race is the most festive cultural event for Jiujiang people. On every Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat races can be seen and you can feel the charm of dragon boat culture everywhere.

Author | Eleanor

Revisor | Jersey, Jessica

Photo | Foshan News Network, Foshan Daily, Wang Guochen, 佛山市南海区九江龙舟协会