Thousands of poles and myriad paddles stir the waters of Qinhu Lake, as hundreds of boats race with the spring tide

On April 6th, 2024, the Qingtong Conference Boat Festival opened at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Jiangyan District, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province. Hundreds of various boats and tens of thousands of participants gathered at Qinhu Lake, maneuvering their poles and paddles vigorously, competing to be the first, presenting a spectacular scene of 'Thousands of poles and myriad paddles stir the waters of Qinhu Lake, as hundreds of boats race with the spring tide.' The event is a portrayal of a folk custom that remains vibrant through the ages. The Qingtong Conference Boat has been passed down since the Southern Song Dynasty, enduring for hundreds of years, and has been listed in the national intangible cultural heritage inventory.