CCTV9英语新闻：乌镇香市狂欢节开幕
For people in the Yangtze Delta Region, the Qingming holiday can be a good time to take short trips to nearby provinces. One possible destination, the Xiangshi Festival, a carnival for villagers that’s going on now in Wuzhen of Zhejiang Province.
The festival began with a cruise led by the silkworm flower fairy played by a local woman. Local residents followed her to worship the silkworm god. The fairy then scattered flowers from a tower, which symbolizes spreading the harvest. Despite the rain, the festival attracted a lot of tourists from all over the country.
"The festival combines the quiet water town and traditional performances. I feel perfect. "
"The activity is good and unique. I come from the North. I’ve never seen it before. "
Organizers say the Xiangshi Festival evolved from the local silkworm culture.
The Xiangshi Festival, a carnival for villagers that’s going on now
in Wuzhen of Zhejiang Province.
"South China is famous for producing silkworms and their silk. Silkworm breeding is the main source of local farmers’ income. So their biggest expectation is to pray for the harvest of silkworms." said Shao Yun, Brand Consultant, Wuzhen Tourism Co.
Shao said that the festival originated during the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Ming Dynasty.
"Chinese author Mao Dun wrote a novel called "Xiangshi." He said that Xiangshi is the actually a carnival for villagers. People in Wuzhen regarded it as a large market both on land and on water. More than 20 recreational activities take place on the land and on the river." said Shao Yun, Brand Consultant, Wuzhen Tourism Co.
Shao also said this year, there’s a snack street where tourists can taste local delicacies such as special sauced meat and beef soup with bean threads. And this pan-fried glutinous rice wrapped red bean paste is especially made for Tomb-Sweeping Day.
"Compared to traditional Qing dumplings, it’s flat and softer. "
Organizers say there is also a water market for tourists to buy local specialties. The festival runs through April 20th.
