The roar of the crowd and the rhythmic beat of drums set the tone Saturday as paddlers from the Chinese mainland and overseas launched their boats on the Yangtze tributary at the Nanchang International Dragon Boat Race. This year's championship brought together 50 teams in a thrilling display that blended ancient heritage with modern camaraderie.
For over 2,000 years, dragon boat racing has symbolized teamwork, courage and cultural unity. At Qingshan Lake Park, neon-decked boats glided across the water, each adorned with colorful dragon heads and tails. Participants ranged from local university teams to international clubs hailing from Europe and Southeast Asia.
âItâs incredible to be part of a tradition that spans centuries,â said team captain Li of the Jiangxi University crew. âRacing alongside friends from around the world makes this festival truly special.â
Beyond the fierce 500-meter sprints, the event showcased Jiangxi's vibrant festival culture. Visitors sampled zongzi rice dumplings, explored floating bazaars and joined workshops on boat carving and martial arts exercisesâturning a single race day into a full cultural immersion.
Young travelers and digital nomads have discovered Nanchang as a must-visit destination thanks to its blend of heritage and innovation. Local startups offered live-streaming tours and drone-shot highlights, while eco-conscious organizers ensured a zero-plastic policy along the waterfront.
As the championship trophies were lifted and the last drum beats faded, the Nanchang International Dragon Boat Race reaffirmed its place on the global sporting calendarâwhere history, community and adventure converge.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
