15th "One Festival, One Competition" Kicks Off in Pengshui, Chongqing

On May 24, the 15th Wujiang Miao Flower Mountain Festival and the 2026 China Pengshui Water Sports Competition (collectively known as the "One Festival, One Competition") officially kicked off in the Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing. Guests, tourists, water sports athletes, and locals dressed in festive attire gathered to experience the unique charm of the Miao homeland.

A view of the opening ceremony. Photo by the Publicity Department of the Pengshui County Party Committee

The Flower Mountain Festival (Caihuashan) is a traditional celebration of the Miao people. During the festival, locals express their emotions through song and dance, demonstrating their reverence for nature through folk gatherings and dance events. These activities preserve the profound cultural traditions of praying for blessings, welcoming good fortune, and celebrating family reunions. At the opening ceremony, over 10,000 Miao participants in elaborate traditional costumes sang and danced, vividly showcasing their rich ethnic heritage.
At 2:00 p.m. that day, the China Pengshui Water Sports Competition commenced. The roar of engines echoed along the banks of the Wu River as racing watercraft shot forward like arrows, cutting through the emerald waves. Athletes crouched low as they sped across the water, carving sharp arcs between the buoys. Spectators along the riverbanks watched in awe, their cheers sweeping across the venue alongside the surging waves.

Athletes compete at the water sports competition. Photo by the Publicity Department of the Pengshui County Party Committee

This year's Flower Mountain Festival has meticulously planned six major sub-events: the opening ceremony, a folk custom festival, a dance competition, a folk song concert, a women's gathering, and a rural tourism season. These events are designed to preserve the essence of the ethnic culture while highlighting contemporary characteristics. As a flagship brand promoting the integration of culture, tourism, and sports in Pengshui, the water sports competition adopts a "1+N" model. This includes the core 2026 China Power Surfboard Super League (Pengshui Station), accompanied by supporting activities such as award ceremonies, water sports science popularization, and cultural exhibitions.
Over the past 15 years, the "One Festival, One Competition" initiative has evolved from a distinctive county-level celebration into a prominent regional brand. Today, it serves as a central showcase for Pengshui's achievements in culture, tourism, and sports while significantly boosting the area's broader urban influence.