When the Luodian Dragon Boats sailed gracefully beneath the Oriental Pearl Tower and the enticing aroma of freshly made fish balls drifted in the spring air, a grand celebration of intangible cultural heritage and tourism unfolded.

Recently, at the city square by the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Yangtze River Delta Cultural Tourism Fair was grandly held, which showcased the intangible cultural heritage of Luodian Ancient Town—with its iconic Luodian Dragon Boats and Luodian Fish Balls—allowing visitors to savor both historical charm and nostalgic flavors.

Luodian Dragon Boat Models: Miniature Legends of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

With over 400 years of history, Luodian Dragon Boats are renowned for their distinctive features. The lifelike design features a crocodile-shaped bow with qilin horns, flowing beard-like ornaments beneath the jaw, and overlapping scales that shimmer across the hull. A miniature model of the Ming Dynasty North Pole Pavilion sits atop the boat, complete with double-eaved roofs, intricate carvings, and embroidered banners on both sides. This exquisite craftsmanship synthesizes shipbuilding, architecture, carving, lantern-making, brocade weaving, embroidery, and calligraphy.

Originating from Dragon Boat Festival traditions, Luodian Dragon Boat culture emphasizes artistic performance over competition, serving as a cultural ritual that carries people’s aspirations for favorable weather and national prosperity.

At the fair, meticulously crafted dragon boat models captivated visitors with dynamic displays recreating festive river scenes. From the majestic dragon heads to fluttering banners at the stern, the exhibits transported audiences to the vibrant waterfront celebrations of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Luodian Fish Balls

These jade-white fish balls, renowned for their tender yet springy texture, represent Luodian’s intangible culturalheritage. Each bite releases a burst of savory broth, creating an unforgettable taste experience. More than just food, these fish balls embody the town’s collective memory and evoke nostalgic memories through their palates.

Public Opinions: A Vivid Manifestation of Cultural Confidence

“Tasting Luodian Fish Balls beneath the Oriental Pearl Tower feels magical!” exclaimed a tourist from Taizhou. Many visitors noted that the event deepened their appreciation for Luodian’s intangible cultural heritage while highlighting the Yangtze River Delta region’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness. By integrating intangible heritage into modern life, this innovative approach makes cultural preservation more engaging and relevant.

The journey of Luodian Dragon Boats to Shanghai’s landmark symbolizes not just cultural exhibition but traditional reinvention. It bridges ancient water towns with urban landmarks, weaving heritage into the fabric of contemporary urban life.