On June 20, 11 dragon boats from nine villages raced across the Dongjiang River in Boluo County, Huizhou, bringing a centuries-old folk tradition to life.
The dragon boat race was held on the Dongjiang River.
Team members pose for a group photo before setting off.
In Yuanzhou, the dragon boat traditions during the Dragon Boat Festival have been passed down for more than 380 years. Many riverside villages have established their own teams, with friendly races held over generations among villages in Yuanzhou and neighboring communities along the Dongjiang River, spanning Huizhou's Shiwan Town, Guangzhou, and Dongguan.
For local residents, dragon boat racing is more than a test of speed and strength; it is also a cherished tradition that strengthens community bonds, reconnects villages, and preserves the region's river heritage.
Villagers and visitors gather by the riverside to watch the race.
Before the race, traditional rituals were held to launch the dragon boats and perform "picking the green", a customary ceremony believed to bring good fortune. As drums and gongs rang out, paddlers boarded their boats and raised their oars in unison, met by the cheers of crowds lining the riverbanks.
More than a sporting event, the showcase highlighted the vitality of living cultural heritage. In December 2019, the Dragon Boat Festival customs of Liaozai Village in Yuanzhou were officially inscribed on Boluo County's list of intangible cultural heritage.
Teams paddle in the race.
Today, as drums beat and paddles slice through the water, Yuanzhou's 380-year-old dragon boat tradition continues to breathe new life into the Dragon Boat Festival along the Dongjiang River.
Author | Xu Antong, Liao Yuxian
Photo | Liang Weichun
