CMG President Shen Haixiong (C) and other guests applaud the launch of the group's Dragon Boat Festival special, June 6, 2024. /CMG
China Media Group (CMG) is set to air a special Dragon Boat Festival program on June 10, showcasing the rich cultural traditions and natural beauty of China, the group announced on Thursday.
The program will feature a variety of creative performances, including traditional operas, folk music, musicals and short films, all set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.
The program will take place in Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, the hometown of Qu Yuan, the poet who is commemorated during the festival.
One of the program's highlights is the story of a Qu Yuan descendant from China's Taiwan searching for their roots, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between people of Chinese descent. It will also feature a segment on French children's journey to fulfill their Chinese dream, demonstrating the power of friendship and cultural exchange.
In a video message, Thomas Konietzko, president of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), sent his greetings to Chinese audiences and expressed his excitement for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko greets Chinese audiences via video, June 6, 2024. /CMG
He said that hundreds of dragon boat races will be held in China and other countries this year, showcasing the sport's growing popularity worldwide.
Konietzko also noted that the Dragon Boat World Cup will be held in Yichang's Zigui County in October and that the first International Super Cup of Canoe and Kayak, jointly organized by CMG and the ICF, will also take place in China.
These events are expected to further promote dragon boat racing and canoeing and foster cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, Konietzko said.