Dragon boat races launched across China, boosting consumption vitality

Dragon boat races have kicked off in multiple regions across China over the recent days, combining traditional competition with new consumption-driven initiatives to stimulate local economies.

On Saturday, a dragon boat race was launched in Shenzhen's Longyuan, with 16 dragon boat teams taking to the water in succession and competing in a 300-meter dual-lane.

The race featured a diverse lineup including overseas teams, teams from other places and local ones. Notably, a children's dragon boat team also made an appearance.

"I was very happy today. When I heard the drum go 'boom boom boom,' I paddled hard forward. I think dragon boat racing is really fun," said He Zhiyun, a young paddler from the local Longyuan Daguan Kindergarten.

To enhance the viewing experience, organizers have deployed smart artificial intelligence (AI) tour guides and high-definition live streaming. In addition, this year's dragon boat race has also introduced a ticket-stub benefits program, creating an integrated "sports plus consumption" model.

Just a day earlier, in Zhangzhou City, east China's Fujian Province, 16 dragon boat teams competed fiercely along a 400-meter straight course with viewing areas along the waterfront packed with both locals and visitors alike.

"Each village here prepared for this race a month in advance. We trained every day, actively organizing our team members and encouraging them to get in the water for practice. This also embodies our Zhangzhou culture of only through hard work can we win," said Huang Yanglong, a member of a dragon boat team in Zhangzhou.

The event this time emphasized local folk customs and brought together dragon boat teams from multiple regions for head-to-head competition. While preserving traditional racing rituals, organizers also integrated the race with intangible cultural heritage performances and an open-air market which featured over 80 specialty food stalls to provide both locals and tourists with new consumption experiences.

Dragon boat races launched across China, boosting consumption vitality

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Israel's attack on Beirut "should not have happened," while the Israeli military said it will continue its operations in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that the Israeli military struck Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut's Dahieh suburb on Sunday, in response to firing into Israeli territory.

Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported an Israeli airstrike targeted a building in the Ghobeiri area in Beirut's southern suburbs.

The strike drew criticism from Trump, who said a regional peace deal, including Lebanon, was "very close" and urged all parties, especially Israel, to stand down.

"We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down," he wrote on Truth Social.

"This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran," he wrote.

Israel's Sunday strikes should not disrupt the diplomacy efforts for a U.S.-Iran peace deal, Trump said.

"There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel," the U.S. president added.

On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir, during his inspection of the Northern Command, said Israeli forces will continue military operations in Lebanon in an effort to secure more favorable terms in future U.S.-mediated negotiations between the two sides.

Zamir said the IDF's operations in key areas such as the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon were crucial, and that Israeli forces will continue their offensive and deepen their ground advance in necessary areas to eliminate security threats posed by Hezbollah.

He added that the IDF remains on high alert for potential developments on other fronts.

Trump says Israeli strike on Beirut should not have happened; Israel says it will continue Lebanon operations