Cross-cultural drift: Yinzhou dragon boats arrive in Bulgaria

Six newly custom-made dragon boats from Yinzhou district, Ningbo. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Six custom dragon boats with cultural designs left Yinzhou district of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and arrived in Bulgaria on Jan 18 after a two-month journey.

The boats, painted in the Bulgarian flag colors and adorned with Chinese flags and traditional motifs, will support cultural exchange and Bulgaria's Dragon Boat World Championship.

In June 2023, Yinzhou donated four dragon boats during Bulgaria's first Dragon Boat Festival, fostering a strong friendship.

Last year Yinzhou officials visited Bulgaria for the 75 years of China-Bulgaria diplomatic relations and 20 years of Ningbo's sister city ties with Varna. They agreed to donate six more boats and establish a dragon boat heritage center. Last October saw the opening of the heritage center and cultural exhibits in Sofia and Varna.

With 10 dragon boats from Yinzhou now navigating Bulgarian waters, the dragon boat culture strengthens cultural ties and promotes economic cooperation between the regions.