Tourism activities

Current position: English > Cultural tourism > Tourism activities

Cattle, as an important source of labor in traditional agricultural society, are regarded as symbols of good fortune and happiness. Yesterday, the lively "Running Cattle Festival" was held in Aimin Village, Dongping Street, Lishui District, where hundreds of villagers gathered to watch performances, enjoy a flowing banquet, and share beef cake, celebrating the joy of harvest and the blessings of the new year.

At 8:58 AM, amidst the cheerful sounds of drums and gongs, a big yellow cow adorned with red flowers set off from the He Village ancestral hall, led by five or six "warriors," running around the village while villagers followed in a jubilant procession.

"The cattle runs three laps around the village, delivering New Year blessings to every household. The more spirited the run, the better the omen," explained Zhang Huasheng, the secretary of the Nankui branch of the Party General Branch of Aimin Village. The "Running Cattle Festival" has been celebrated every year on the 14th day of the first lunar month for over 100 years, with villagers coming together to enjoy performances, partake in the flowing banquet, and share beef cake.

As a cherished New Year celebration, villagers place great importance on the "Running Cattle Festival." He Baogen, a 47-year-old villager working in transportation, shared that he used to run behind the "Running Cattle" procession as a child and now takes on the role of a "warrior" leading the cow. Participating in the "Running Cattle Festival" has become an indispensable folk activity during the Spring Festival.

With the development of the economy, the significance of the "Running Cattle Festival" for villagers has also evolved. Zhang Huasheng noted that in the past, the festival was a way for everyone to pray for favorable weather and good harvests. Nowadays, all the land in He Village has been transferred, and villagers earn not only fixed rental income but also wages from working, leading to an improved quality of life. Thus, holding the "Running Cattle Festival" serves not just as a celebration but also as a connection to nostalgia. "Usually, everyone is working far and wide; during the 'Running Cattle Festival,' we gather together, enhancing neighborly relationships and providing an important channel for listening to the voices of the villagers, gathering their wisdom, and addressing their concerns," Zhang Huasheng stated.

The "Running Cattle Festival" will last for four days, with villagers making beef cakes on-site to distribute to each household and inviting a drama troupe to perform for four consecutive days.

Source: Nanjing Daily