The Dateng Gorge water conservancy project, a pivotal node in China's national water network, officially passed its completion and acceptance review on Thursday, transitioning to full-scale, routine operation.
Located on the Xijiang River in Guiping City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Dateng Gorge hydro dam is designed for multiple purposes including flood control, navigation, irrigation and power generation.
The total investment in the project is about 35.74 billion yuan (around 5.28 billion US dollars).
China's Dateng Gorge water conservancy project enters full operation
Sansha, China's southernmost city, welcomed the Dragon Boat Festival on Wednesday with a spirited race over the South China Sea, where thunderous drumbeats and roaring cheers transformed the azure waters into a spectacle of tradition and unity.
The second annual South China Sea Dragon Boat Race drew 14 competing teams to the Xiyu Fishing Pier on Yongxing Island, where local fishermen reinvented their everyday workboats as majestic "fishing-style dragon vessels." With painted bows cutting through the waves, each crew chased not just victory, but pride for their community.
"It's my first time competing in this event on the island, and I've already won a championship. I couldn't be more excited and happy," said Guo Wenhao, one of the participants.
Out on the water, paddlers moved in furious unison, their oars churning the sea into clouds of white foam. Along the shore, cheer squads waved flags and shouted encouragement, each team bringing its own passionate supporters to rally them forward. The air was thick with tension and exhilaration.
"The atmosphere was incredibly intense. Every contestant worked very hard, and there were many exciting races to watch," said spectator Guo Yaru.
The competition also featured an innovative dragon-boat tug-of-war on the water, drawing several teams eager to test their strength and coordination in a whole new way.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to win this championship. We owe it to the unity of our whole team. Through every practice, even when our hands blistered from gripping the oars, not a single one of us complained," said He Shicun, a participant.
The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on June 19, this year. Its signature tradition -- dragon boat racing -- dates back over 2,000 years. Today, the race reflects teamwork, courage, and perseverance, while also serving as a cultural tradition and global sport that brings communities together.
Roaring dragon boat racing brings festival fever to China's southernmost city
