Dragon boat race and training are in full swing across China from the coastal waters of Fujian in east China to the rivers of inland Guizhou in southwest China ahead of the Duanwu Festival, drawing crowds of enthusiastic visitors.
The Duanwu Festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday to commemorate the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.). Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival will fall on June 19 this year.
On Friday, over 300 athletes from 12 teams from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Luoyuan Bay in Fujian Province for a thrilling 500-meter straight-course dragon boat race.
After the starting gun was fired, the paddlers swung their oars in unison to the beat of drums, while the spectators cheered onshore, creating an electric atmosphere.
"It was the first time to see this dragon boat race up close. It was so incredible. I had seen the race on the river before, but today's race is on the sea. It felt completely different. Truly great and stunning," said Pan Jingshi, a local resident.
Zheng Minkai, president of the Dragon Boat Association of Luoyuan County, Fuzhou City, explained that racing in the bay presents unique challenges and requires better cooperation.
"The bay waters are affected by factors such as tidal currents, which requires stronger teamwork and race experience. They are not only competing for speed, but also for cooperation and understanding. That's how to better reflect the spirit of unity and hard work that dragon boat race represents," said Zheng.
Alongside the races, a market was also held in the county, showcasing local intangible cultural heritage items and traditional snacks.
Meanwhile on the Jinjiang River in Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, a total of 61 teams have commenced rigorous training for the upcoming Chinese Traditional Dragon Boat Competition scheduled for June 18 to 19 in Bijiang District of Tongren.
An intense dragon boat tug-of-war match was also held, with two teams of six to 10 people each sitting on opposite ends of a dragon boat and paddling in opposite directions, trying to pull the boat across a center line.
"Dragon boating is usually about going with the current, but for dragon boat tug-of-war, we have to row in still water, which is very difficult, but we all have a good time," said Tong Pan, a participant.
Dragon boat race, training held in Fujian, Guizhou
