The opening ceremony of the 19th Lijiang River Fishing Boat Lights Festival is held in Guilin's Yangshuo county on Dec 29. [Photo by Feng Yumin/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

The 19th Lijiang River Fishing Boat Lights Festival began in Guilin's Yangshuo county on Dec 29, along with the 15th Cumquat Trade Fair and 7th Seedling & Flower Trade Fair.

A long-table banquet served an eclectic mix of local specialties, traditional Chinese cuisine and international delicacies, while an intangible cultural heritage performance offered a taste of Guilin folk culture.

Meanwhile, a calligraphy & painting exhibition was also held to showcase the area's beautiful natural environment and vitality.

A calligraphy & painting exhibition is held to showcase the beautiful natural environment and vitality of Yangshuo county. [Photo by Feng Yumin/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Of particular note is a traditional performance entitled "Baisha Fishing Boat Lights", which recreates the evening scenery of Baisha Bay, illuminated by lights from fishing boats. A bonfire party and firework show brought the evening to a climax.

A bonfire party and firework show bring the evening to a climax. [Photo by Feng Yumin/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

A slew of sports activities, including a basketball match, a parent-child steeplechase and a rock climbing, were also held to enhance attraction.

Locals who excel in planting cumquat and selling agricultural products, such as cumquats, sugar oranges, and seedlings, were awarded by the county government during the festival. Thanks to their efforts, Yangshuo has made strides in the development of agriculture and all-for-one tourism.

The plantation area and yield of local crumpet industry account for more than half of the country's total. Yangshuo county also led the establishment of national standards for the crumpet industry.