With the Dragon Boat Festival in 2025 approaching, the annual Diejiao dragon boat drifting race is nearing. Dragon boat teams from various villages have intensively trained at night, preparing to deliver their best performances in the upcoming races.
The Diejiao dragon boat drifting race has a long history, dating back to the Ming Dynasty and flourishing during the Qing Dynasty, with over 500 years of history. In 2017, it was listed in Foshan's sixth batch of municipal intangible cultural heritage listings.
Unique "Corner Racing"
Diejiao's water system is densely packed with narrow, winding waterways. The narrowest sections are only 4-5 meters in width. Under these conditions, the typical Diejiao dragon boats, which average 25 meters long, cannot move as smoothly as they would in open waters.
When navigating turns, the helmsmen on one side must work in unison, using the resistance of the water to tilt the boat, allowing for a quick turn. This maneuver causes the bow of the dragon boat to swing sharply while the tail quickly follows, creating a scenario similar to a car drifting on a racetrack.
Each Diejiao dragon boat requires more than 40 people to coordinate seamlessly. To achieve "water drifting," the helmsman must use extensive experience to anticipate the water flow and angles, issuing timely commands. The drummer maintains the rhythm with powerful beats, ensuring synchronization of the paddlers' movements. The paddlers must adjust their balance and the force and frequency of their strokes based on the commands, allowing the dragon boat to execute thrilling and precise turns at high speed.
Viewing Guide for the Four Unique Race Tracks
Diejiao dragon boat drifting race features four unique race tracks: the S-Shaped Track, the C-Shaped Track, the L-Shaped Track, and a straight track. Below are the viewing times and routes:
Photo/Diejiao Dragon Boat
1. Dongsheng Cup (S-Shaped Track)
Time: May 31, 2025, 14:00–17:30
Features: The track is winding and curvy, shaped like the letter "S."
Navigation Tips: Search for "Xincun He Ancestral Hall" or "Pan Clan Ancestral Hall" on the map and follow the directions to walk to the viewing area.
2. Shengtang Cup (L-Shaped Track)
Time: June 1, 2025, 14:00–17:30
Features: The track features an L-shaped bend, requiring racers to avoid stone corners and perform multiple sharp turns.
Navigation Tips: Search for "Chen Fengfang Cultural & Entertainment Center" on the map and follow the directions to walk to the viewing area.
3. Tantou Cup (C-Shaped Track)
Time: June 2, 2025, 14:00–17:30
Features: The track features a C-shaped bend, with large wooden piles placed as obstacles at the turning point.
Navigation Tips: Search for "Li Clan Ancestral Hall" or "Tantou No. 2 Cultural & Entertainment Center" on the map and follow the directions to walk to the viewing area.
4. Chaji Cup (Straight Track)
Time: June 14, 2025, 14:00–17:30
Features: A straight course with a narrow turning point.
Navigation Tips: Search for "Chaji Mutual Aid Branch" on the map and follow the walking directions to the viewing area.
Special Notice
Traffic control will be in effect during the race period. Drivers are advised to park outside the village and follow navigation instructions to reach the viewing areas on foot. The race schedule is for reference only. Please refer to official announcements for any updates or changes.
