【新春走基层】 光明日报记者 陈鹏 汨罗江畔长乐古镇，青瓦白墙间点缀着灯笼、春联，年味浓郁。在这里，酿甜酒的传统已延续千年。 踏上麻石古街，循香而入。老宅院内柴火正旺，灶台的火光映红了半间屋子。湖南省非物质文化遗产长 乐甜酒酿造技艺传承人熊湘和，身着素色布衣，正弯腰从浸米的大陶缸中捞起糯米，"哗啦"一声倒入灶 台的木质甑中，动作娴熟利落，不带半分拖沓。 熊湘和从11岁起开始学习制作甜酒，至今已60余年。 "七分米，三分水，水干饭就熟。"熊湘和转头看向记者，"火候把控是关键，必须用匀火慢蒸，多一分 火色就老了，少一分米就夹生，半分含糊不得。" 不多时，甑中便冒出袅袅白烟，浓郁的糯米香扑面而来。 "解淘要用'阴阳水'，开水兑冷水，降温快，米粒更滑爽，也能更好地留住米香。"熊湘和一边翻动，待 温度降至不烫手时，他从一个陶罐中取出少许白色酒曲，均匀地撒在糯米上。 "这是甜酒的魂，少了它，就没了长乐甜酒独有的风味。"熊湘和捏起一小撮酒曲，凑到鼻尖轻嗅。 在长乐，家家户户都会酿甜酒。长乐甜酒之所以曲香酒甜，关键在于原材料的讲究：必须采用当地特产 的"三粒寸"桂花糯米、矿物质丰富的长乐深井水，以及本地曲花籽制成的独特甜酒曲 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural significance and rich history of Yueyang, particularly during the Dragon Boat Festival, emphasizing its connection to Qu Yuan and the unique local traditions that have been preserved over centuries [1][2][3]. Group 1: Cultural Significance - Yueyang is celebrated for its vibrant Dragon Boat Festival, which features traditional activities such as dragon boat racing, making zongzi, and performing local operas, comparable in importance to the Spring Festival [2][3]. - The Qu Yuan Cultural Park hosts solemn rituals during the festival, allowing visitors to engage in traditional practices that honor Qu Yuan, including dragon head lifting and incense burning [2][3]. - The local customs and the recognition of the Dragon Boat Festival as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight the enduring legacy of Qu Yuan's spirit in the region [3]. Group 2: Historical Context - Yueyang, with over 2,500 years of history, is strategically located at the confluence of rivers, making it a significant port city in China [1]. - The Yueyang Tower, a historical structure, has been rebuilt multiple times due to wars, with the current version reflecting Qing Dynasty architecture [4]. - The tower's literary significance is underscored by famous poets like Li Bai and Fan Zhongyan, who have immortalized its beauty in their works [4][5]. Group 3: Local Cuisine - The article describes the unique culinary offerings of Yueyang, particularly the "Niu Jiao Zong" (cow horn zongzi), which is made with specific ingredients and is a local delicacy [6]. - Yueyang cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on freshwater fish, with the "Baling Whole Fish Banquet" being a notable traditional feast that showcases various fish dishes [6]. - The influence of barbecue culture in Yueyang, which has evolved from local adaptations, reflects the city's culinary diversity and the integration of different cooking styles [7].