|

Traditional festival opens with drums and dragon-lion dances. [Photo/Tide News]

Shaoxing's yellow rice wine town came alive on Nov 9 with a traditional festival that honors local brewing heritage and cultural customs.

The lively celebration featured drums, dragon-lion dances, and ritual offerings. Visitors from across the country prayed for a bountiful harvest in the annual winter brewing season.

Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage item of Shaoxing, the festival has been celebrated for more than 160 years. Originating in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was revived in 2010 to preserve traditional customs and renew the ancient celebration.

He Maotai, secretary general of the Jiuxian Affiliated Association of Shaoxing City Yushun Culture, said local brewers aim to combine traditional brewing knowledge with modern techniques to produce higher-quality rice wine while promoting culture and the sustainable development of the industry.

Participants pour freshly brewed Shaoxing yellow rice wine during the traditional festival. [Photo/Tide News]