Local Customs & Etiquette in Jiangshan, Zhejiang, China

1. Jiangshan Dragon Boat Festival

Annual celebration honoring the patriot Qu Yuan. It involves dragon boat racing, drumming, and lantern lighting.

Participation: Foreigners are welcome to join the dragon boat races.
Cultural Significance: Celebrated to remember Qu Yuan, a legendary patriot and poet.
Food: Traditional Zongzi (rice dumplings) are a must-try during the festival.

Traditional Chinese tea ceremony focusing on harmony, respect, and purity.

Daily market selling offerings and souvenirs at the Ci'en Temple.

Shopping: Buy traditional Chinese incense, joss paper, and other temple offerings.
Cultural Experience: Witness the unique atmosphere of a bustling temple market.
Local Interaction: Engage with local vendors and learn about their customs.

Annual celebration featuring various vegetarian dishes during the ninth lunar month.

Vegetarian Delicacies: Taste unique, flavorful vegetarian dishes.
Religious Significance: Festival held to honor Buddhist teachings on compassion.
Community Bonding: Participate in communal activities and learn about Buddhism.

Traditional opera performance featuring colorful costumes and dramatic storytelling.

Performance: Experience the captivating performances of Jiangshan Qiantong Opera.
Local Culture: Discover the rich local culture through this opera performance.
Interaction: Meet local artists and learn about their craft.

Annual event with thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminating the streets.

Nighttime Spectacle: Witness a stunning display of handcrafted lanterns.
Cultural Tradition: Celebrate the end of Chinese New Year with this centuries-old tradition.
Community Bonding: Join the community in lantern riddles and dragon dances.

Relaxing foot spa treatment using fish that nibble dead skin.

Learn about traditional silk weaving techniques in Jiangshan.

Annual event where locals harvest lotus roots and rhizomes.

Local Custom: Participate in the annual lotus harvest with local farmers.
Food: Try the locally-grown, delicious lotus roots and rhizomes.
Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in a traditional Jiangshan harvest festival.

Taste locally produced rice wine in Jiangshan.

Local Beverage: Sample the strong, flavorful local rice wine.
Traditional Brewing: Learn about the traditional brewing process of Jiangshan rice wine.
Community: Meet local wine makers and learn about their craft.

Visit the many traditional bridges connecting Jiangshan's islands.

Architecture: Admire the unique, picturesque architecture of the bridges.
Historical Significance: Explore the historical significance of these ancient bridges.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of these iconic Jiangshan landmarks.

Take a boat ride through Jiangshan's tranquil waterways.

Competitive bamboo basket boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Sport: Watch or participate in thrilling boat races.
Cultural Significance: Races held during the Dragon Boat Festival, an important tradition.
Community Bonding: Join in the fun and camaraderie of boat racing.

Regular temple fairs featuring food, games, and cultural performances.

Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of activities such as games, performances, and shopping.
Local Culture: Discover more about Jiangshan's rich cultural heritage.
Community Gathering: Experience the lively atmosphere of a temple fair.

Relax in serene tea gardens, enjoying traditional Chinese tea.