An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", took place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, in central China's Hunan province, on Monday. Thousands of residents and tourists rolled up their sleeves and waded into the muddy fish ponds, embracing a lively tradition that boosts the festive spirit ahead of the Chinese New Year.
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
At 10 am, the starting gun went off, and the half-drained ponds transformed into scenes of joyful chaos. Children in waterproof gear chased smaller fish with nets, while adults teamed up to corner larger catches in deeper sections. Even international visitors joined in, their laughter and shouts rising as mud and water splashed freely. Friends and family cheered from the pondside, capturing the moment as successful fishers emerged, triumphantly holding up their muddy prizes.
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
By 11:30 am, temporary stoves were steaming by the water's edge. Villagers showcased traditional skills, from cleaning the fish to hand-making fish balls and preparing Hengyang's local specialty — fish rice noodles.
"Catching a fish and cooking it right here — the freshness is unbeatable!" a tourist surnamed Li told local media. For local resident Liu Song, the event evoked cherished childhood memories of the festive season.
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The afternoon featured a bustling farmers' market offering local baijiu (Chinese spirit), free-range eggs, and cured meats, alongside interactive activities like picnics and community gardening at a nearby farm.
"The Gantang Festival is more than just a folk custom; it's a new pathway for rural vitalization," Zhou Gan, a local official, said.
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The area boasts more than 800 fish ponds with an annual yield exceeding 500,000 kilograms of fresh fish. By leveraging local water resources, the festival not only revives nostalgic rural traditions for city dwellers but also builds a recognizable brand for local agricultural products, Zhou added.
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
An annual celebration known as the Gantang Festival, or "Drying Pond Festival", takes place in Gaoli village, Hengyang, Hunan province, on Monday. [Photo by Duan Wenjing/For chinadaily.com.cn]
