Where Tradition Dances: Experiencing the Magical Fish Village Festival

Tucked away in the mist-veiled landscapes of Southern Anhui lies a village that seems to float on water—a place where ancient traditions spring to life in a spectacle of light, motion, and meaning. Welcome to the Fish Village Festival, a celebration where giant fish lanterns, some as tall as two meters, “swim” through the narrow lanes, dancing alongside visitors in a mesmerizing performance.

But why fish? In the river-fed villages of this region, water is life. The connection between people and water runs deep—literally. The entrance to the village is a slim stone path weaving across a placid canal, and the sound of flowing water accompanies every step you take. It’s a landscape shaped by rivers, both physically and spiritually.

In Huizhou culture, fish and water share a symbiotic relationship. The fish depends on the water, and the water is brought to life by the fish. To let giant handmade fish lanterns “swim” through the whole village is more than just a performance—it is a symbolic act. It represents a community guarding its home with water, invoking blessings, harmony, and protection.

There’s a line from an ancient Chinese poem that captures the scene perfectly:
“The flute songs ripple under glowing lanterns, as fish and dragons dance through the night.”

This is Chinese romance in its purest form—lyrical, meaningful, and alive.

Witnessing the Fish Village Festival isn’t just watching a parade; it’s stepping into a living ritual. The flickering lantern lights against the dark water, the rhythm of drums and flutes, the laughter of children chasing the glowing fish—all blend into a moment where past and present flow seamlessly together.

It’s a reminder that some traditions are not merely preserved; they are lived, felt, and danced.