July 29, 2017 — an ordinary yet extraordinary day. Ordinary, because for those who didn’t attend, it was just another Saturday; extraordinary, because for participants, it was a truly remarkable day. Even under the blazing sun, nothing could dim the radiant glow of Lintai Mountain.
The first rays of morning light touching the earth destined Lintai Mountain for an exceptional day. Travelers had gathered early from various towns and villages, their faces beaming with joy. Children especially bounded toward the Lintai Mountain People’s Square. Though there were no amusement rides, the event was far more dazzling than any theme park. The stage on the square was all set, and the visitors were brimming with anticipation. Below the square, local specialty food stalls were set up. Those who arrived without breakfast enjoyed the local delicacies, while some well-prepared visitors, passing by the stalls, could only mutter to themselves about how there were so many tasty treats on sale — wishing they hadn’t eaten beforehand. I’d say there was still plenty of time in the morning; you could always eat later when hunger struck, after all, good food is a beautiful sight in itself.
The “Fresh Fujian, the Rhythms of Water, and a Serendipitous Journey to the Hakka Ancestral Mountain” event, jointly organized by the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, the Fujian Provincial Department of Agriculture, and hosted by the Fujian Provincial Social Sports Guidance Center, the Sanming Municipal Tourism Bureau, the Sanming Municipal Sports Bureau, and the People’s Government of Qingliu County, with co-organization by the People’s Government of Changxiao Town, the Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Publication Bureau of Qingliu County, the Agriculture Bureau of Qingliu County, and the Tourism Bureau of Qingliu County, commenced under the passionate and elegant hosting of the emcee.
Tai Chi is not only a group sport but also a path of self-cultivation for one or two people.
Five Classics Heroes
Ten-Drum Percussion
The scene at the event was grand indeed — even the police barriers couldn’t hold back the crowds eager to watch the performances. The show reached one climax after another, and the audience surged forward time and again, breaking through the “barriers.” On-site security personnel worked tirelessly to maintain order alongside the visitors, ensuring the smooth continuation of the event. It’s clear how captivating the folk arts of Changxiao Town are to draw such a massive crowd.
As one stage performance followed another, it was time for the most important part — the opening ceremony. The event’s venue, Lintai Mountain, is rich in Buddhist ambiance, with temples nestled closely together. As the chief planning organization, Sanming Dingran Culture Media crafted a uniquely designed launch ceremony. After the emcee announced the arrival of the distinguished guests, the ceremony hostesses guided them onstage. The leaders sprinkled holy water with willow twigs, offering blessings to every visitor. In front of the stage, willow twigs showered blessings; behind it, colorful smoke burst forth simultaneously — a meeting of the divine and the earthly, a testament to humanity’s unyielding spirit to stay true to its roots.
Flying Dragon of Lintai
This marked not an end, but a new beginning. After two months of rehearsals by the performers, the most anticipated act for the visitors was about to begin. By this time, everyone had already gathered at the foot of Mount Dafu, staking out their spots in eager anticipation of the dragon’s descent. Indeed, what followed was the Flying Dragon of Lintai performance. With nearly a thousand years of history in Hakka Qingliu, the Flying Dragon is a vital folk cultural activity for welcoming spring, greeting guests, and praying for blessings. Performed by 136 fellow villagers from Qingliu’s Hakka community, the “Flying Dragon of Lintai” featured two dragons, each 133 meters long and carried by 68 people. They emerged one after another from the base of the Eternal Light Ancient Buddha statue, then danced and proceeded downward along both sides of the “Hakka Path” steps. The entire scene was magnificent and imposing, embodying the Hakka people’s spirit of unity, striving, and positivity. Let us all enjoy the Flying Dragon of Lintai and wish for a flourishing era with dragons soaring, Hakka people gathering at the sacred mountain, celebrating our heritage, and blessings upon China. Amidst the continuous firing of traditional hunting rifles, the Flying Dragon of Lintai officially began. Tourists below pulled out all kinds of equipment just to capture this grand and spectacular moment.
Crabapple Eating Contest
Fortune-Seeking Cycling Race
Contestants would head to Fuyuan Temple to pray for blessings, and after the prayer activity, they would cycle back along the same route.
Ringing the Peace Bell
As the main performers of the Flying Dragon show gradually exited the stage, it was now the visitors’ turn to shine. Hiking, as a universal activity, is also a lifestyle for fitness and leisure. The mountaintop race officially began — the four flights of stairs leading from the Great Buddha Plaza to the Buddha statue, each with 168 steps, totaled 672 steps, each one a step closer to victory. The emcee randomly selected 25 participants for the “Ring the Peace Bell” activity, while other visitors hiked on their own. The contestants were determined to reach the top of the Buddha statue, because waiting at the summit wasn’t just anything — it was the reward for the “Ring the Peace Bell” challenge. With rewards came motivation. The first to reach the top wasn’t even a contestant — their speed was incredible, clearly someone who exercises regularly. One after another, other participants also rushed up, some collapsing from exhaustion, ringing the bell and then sitting on the ground to rest. Exercise may seem routine, but the key lies in persistence. Good health is the foundation of everything, and this event aimed to encourage everyone to exercise more through this competition.
Lunch was a familiar yet unique experience, as it featured a vegetarian feast. Participants dined at the temple on Lintai Mountain, immersing themselves in vegetarian culture. Vegetarianism reflects a cultural philosophy of returning to nature, health, and protecting the Earth’s ecological environment. Eating vegetarian not only provides naturally pure and balanced nutrition but also offers the joy of escaping the hustle and bustle and desires of urban life.
Thousand-Person Vegetarian Banquet
Meals aren’t just about the food — live music is also an essential element. With the band’s lively accompaniment, lunch was thoroughly enjoyable, rivaling the satisfaction of a feast of meat and fish.
There were no post-meal activities, but performances kept the energy up. Visitors gathered at the Hakka Museum to enjoy local folk performances and take a rest. Right at the entrance of the museum stood staff dressed in traditional local attire, alongside a table of even more distinctive tinware — each piece uniquely shaped, classic yet dignified.
Qingliu Hakka Culture Museum
After resting and regrouping, the final segment began — a visit to the Lintai Mountain Ecological Agriculture Sightseeing Garden for fun activities in the grapevine area. Led by the emcee, visitors entered the vineyard and took part in a series of entertaining activities.
Grapevine
Find the Golden Egg