Dragon boat racing took center stage as Lingnan's most iconic cultural IP during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday (June 19 to 21). More than 20 dragon boat folk events were held across Chancheng, creating a vibrant event pattern of "one signature race per village."
On June 19, the annual decorated dragon boat parade returned as scheduled to Dajiang Village, Zhangcha Subdistrict, Chancheng. Measuring 22.8 meters in length, the ornate dragon boat was adorned with a dragon head, a dragon tail, ceremonial parasols, colourful flags, name plaques, and tall pennants. As the oars rose and fell, spray burst from the water in a magnificent spectacle, drawing thunderous cheers from spectators lining both riverbanks.
The waterways offered not only visual delights but also thrilling races of speed. Multiple dragon boat and grass boat races unfolded one after another in Nanzhuang, Chancheng, fully showcasing the vitality of Lingnan water towns. At Wucun Village, five-person dragon boat races and three-person phoenix boat races were held on the century-old Kangning Canal, where visitors immersed themselves in the history of the water town while watching the thrilling contests. Zinan Village hosted an invitational five-person dragon boat race, with 50 teams racing along the demanding 17-kilometre track known as the "Water F3 Circuit."
Beyond the high-octane races, Chancheng's dragon boat events also featured warm, joyful, family-friendly activities. In Shiwan, Chancheng, Dragon Boat Water from the Dongping River was channelled into Zhuzi Street. Local families gathered along the ancient street for water-themed celebrations, enjoying activities such as goldfish scooping and mini dragon boat races.
Reporter: Lu Yao
Photo: Lu Haoneng, Zinan Village, Guangdong Shiwan Baijiu Grou
