An ancient folk festival kicks off with a grand procession in Shenzhen town, Ninghai county, Ningbo, on Nov 10. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

An ancient folk festival with a history spanning over 300 years kicked off in Shenzhen town, Ninghai county, Ningbo, on Nov 10.

The event commenced in the morning with a lively procession, accompanied by musical instruments and a surge of people. An impressive performance featuring nine dragons dancing together further ignited the festive atmosphere.

The folk festival, a representative item of Ningbo's municipal intangible cultural heritage, boasts a history of over 300 years. Around the 15th day of the tenth lunar month each year, the town becomes a bustling hub of vendors and performers, drawing villagers and tourists alike. The event has combined blessings, parade performances, temple fair markets, and hot spring-themed experiences, offering visitors a blend of traditional folklore and modern elements.

This year's festival featured a wide array of goods, with stalls from various Shenzhen villages showcasing local delicacies. The unique flavors attracted numerous curious people eager for a taste.

During the event, a series of activities such as a grand opera performance, water and light show,  art photography exhibition, and singing contest were held. A special highlight was the promotion of an artistic rural development route, with cultural centers in each village opening their doors to visitors.

Various benefits, including tourism vouchers, hot spring combo tickets, and gift redemption activities, were distributed.