The Canoe Dragon Boat Festival is an ancient tradition for the Miao ethnic group that has been passed down over the generations in Shibi County's Qingshui River Basin and Taijiang River Basin. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Every year, from the 24th to the 27th day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar, the Canoe Dragon Boat Festival takes place at its birthplace, Pingzhai Village in Shuangjing Town, Kaili, in Guizhou Province, southwest China. Recently, villagers in the Qingshui River Basin have been training on their own dragon boats in preparation for the grand event.

The Canoe Dragon Boat Festival originated from the Miao legend of the "dragon-slaying story". According to customs, the opening ceremony is held at the birthplace of the dugout canoe – Pingzhai Village – and then gradually moves towards Shidong in Taijiang, ending up in Mahaoliuhe in a festival that spans a total of five days.

The Miao ethnic group's canoeing style sees paddlers adopt a standing posture, distinguishing it from the traditional dragon boating style of the Han ethnic group. Notably, the dragon head is designed in the distinctive Miao style, and the crew members don Miao hats and clothing as they compete in the turbulent waters, showcasing the vibrant charm of the event.

The dragon boats used in the festival measure between 24 and 27 meters long and weigh around three to four tons. The body of the dragon boat is made from three trimmed tree trunks, typically selected from large fir trees with a diameter measuring over 1 meter and a height of more than 30 meters.

In Miao culture, the drum is seen as the symbol of a clan or a tribe. Each edition of the dragon boat race elects a clan leader, known as the "drum master." Generally, the drum master is an elder with organizational and leadership qualities.

During the race, the drum master wears a ceremonial hat and ancient attire, sitting there and striking the drum. The "drum girls" dressed as boys wear new costumes and silver accessories, sitting across from the drum master and striking the gong. The 36 paddlers all wear new ethnic clothing, with straw hats woven with horsehair and silver pieces, using the paddles to propel the boat forward, singing lively songs.

During the festival, Miao families in Taijiang and other places prepare chickens, ducks, geese, and hundreds of kilograms of rice to warmly welcome the visiting guests, showcasing their simple and hospitable customs. The dragon boat races and various ceremonies in the Miao ethnic group's dugout canoe culture exhibit a strong regional and ethnic character, carrying significant research value.