Grand dragon boat race draws big crowds in Foshan

A massive dragon boat race was held in Foshan City in southern China's Guangdong Province on Sunday, with 282 teams competing along a grueling 30-kilometer water course, drawing constant cheers from spectators.

As soon as the whistle sounded, 1,410 athletes battled it out, navigating tight turns and jostling for position to overtake across the wide Jili River, with the flying oars churning up layers of spray.

"Two to three hundred boats set off together on the wide Jili River. Such a scene is truly spectacular," said a Foshan resident.

"A competition of this scale and this level of excitement is usually only held during holidays. We planned early to come from Hong Kong to watch it," said Law Wing-chun, a tourist from Hong Kong.

It set a Guinness World Record for the largest five-person dragon boat endurance marathon. In addition to cities in the Greater Bay Area comprising Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong Province, it also attracted teams from outside the province, including Shanghai and Hangzhou, for the first time.

"It is a full 30 kilometers. We truly rely on sheer willpower to make it to the finish line. We end up taking ninth place and are absolutely delighted. Thank you to the people of Foshan for the warm welcome," said Chen Xingke, a member of the Hangzhou dragon boat team.

"This year's trip here is definitely worth it. The atmosphere here is something you don't find elsewhere. It is truly fun and exciting to compete alongside so many top-level athletes," said Deng Chengjun, a member of the Shanghai dragon boat team.

The dragon boat race kicked off the local consumption season for the National Day holiday which will begin on Thursday. Foshan will hold more than 350 cultural, tourism and sports events and more than 400 consumption promotion activities to spur diverse consumption formats.

Grand dragon boat race draws big crowds in Foshan

Sichuan welcomed thousands of outdoor sports enthusiasts from around the globe for a glacier ultramarathon and an international fishing tournament, alongside vibrant local cultural events, ahead of China's National Day holiday. From Thursday to Sunday, some 3,300 participants from 31 provincial-level regions in China and 15 countries gathered in Hailuogou, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, for the second Gongga 100 Glacier Extreme Race 2026. The event featured 100km, 60km and 40km categories, with routes climbing from about 1,600 meters to over 4,500 meters in altitude.

Along the way, runners passed through pristine dark coniferous forests, alpine meadows and distinctive rural landscapes, while taking in views of 14 snow-capped peaks over 6,000 meters, and experienced the magnificent autumn scenery at the foot of Mount Gongga.

"I took part in the 100-kilometer race, and the experience was incredible. The course was truly challenging, with steep climbs and descents that tested both body and mind. But standing at the mountain pass and watching golden sunshine on snow-capped mountains, it was all worth it," said Zhai Fan, participant.

Alongside the races, the local authorities also rolled out a rich variety of cultural and tourism activities for the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Chinese and international competitors and tourists alike enjoyed the full mid-autumn moon and experienced local ethnic traditions.

Meanwhile, in Sichuan's Nanchong city, the 15th Shengzhong Lake International Fishing Tournament attracted 1,200 anglers from 22 countries and regions. The event was accompanied by culinary showcases, such as a "whole fish feast," and nighttime music festivals, giving visitors a chance to savor local food and culture in between the sporting action.

Thousands drawn to Sichuan for glacier race, fishing