The rhythmic beat of drums echoed across Tongren in southwest China's Guizhou Province as the annual Traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Race commenced Friday, setting the stage for the Dragon Boat Festival weekend. Sixty teams from across the country navigated the 500-meter straight course, competing in men's and women's traditional and freestyle events.
Organizers reported fierce preliminary rounds, with 24 teams advancing to Saturday's semifinals. Championship finals will follow later that day, coinciding with the festival's peak celebrations. The event highlights China's cultural heritage while fostering community engagement through sport.
Dragon boat racing, dating back over 2,000 years, remains central to the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This year's festival occurs amid growing global interest in Asian cultural traditions, with Guizhou's mountainous landscapes providing a dramatic backdrop for both competitors and spectators.
