Tai O's dragon boat parade took place on the waterways of Lantau Island’s famed fishing village on Thursday, continuing a century-old tradition that brings the community together and safeguards its cultural heritage.

Organized annually on the fourth and fifth days of the fifth lunar month by three traditional fishermen's associations — Pa Teng Hong, Sin Yu Hong, and Hop Sum Tong — the event sees deity statues placed aboard sacred sampans, which are towed by dragon boats in a ceremonial procession through Tai O's inland waterways. The parade is believed to bring blessings of safety and good fortune to villagers.

Recognized for its cultural significance, the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade was inscribed onto China's third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.

China Daily's Adam Lam took the photos on Thursday.