An international participant observes an ornate sedan platform used in the Zougushi Parade in Liancheng county's Luofang township, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A media delegation of over 30 international and domestic journalists and influencers visited Fujian province's Liancheng county on March 3 to explore the preservation of traditional villages and Hakka folk customs. Hosted by China's State Council Information Office, the "Perceiving Happiness: Tour of China's Fujian" tour showcases the integration of cultural heritage with rural development.

The visit focused on two prominent national intangible cultural heritage items: the Zougushi Parade in Luofang township and the Grand Dragon Parade in Gutian town.

An international journalist joins locals to lift a segment of the grand dragon during the parade in Liancheng county's Gutian town, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Luofang township, participants observed the Zougushi Parade, a ritual featuring children dressed as historical figures elevated on ornate sedan platforms, a practice traditionally performed to pray for prosperity. The delegation later witnessed the record-breaking Grand Dragon Parade in Gutian town, spanning over 1,000 meters and composed of 188 individual segments. International participants joined in lifting the dragon sections, experiencing firsthand the vibrant community spirit required to coordinate this massive display.

The delegation also toured Peitian village, an 800-year-old village renowned for its well-preserved Hakka architecture and a culture rooted in agricultural labor and scholarly pursuits. During the visit, a traditional village protection initiative was launched to help preserve local historical sites. Villagers interviewed by the delegation said that conservation efforts have significantly improved local living standards.