A dragon boat parade took place on the Zhangwei River (Wusi Section) in Liyue Subdistrict on June 15. It marked the first time that all major types of dragon boats in Jianghai District, Jiangmen, Guangdong, were brought together in a joint display.
The parade featured 21 teams, including five single-person "dragon sculls" (known locally as "longshi"), four five-person boats, four international-standard 22-person dragon boats, and eight traditional 71-person dragon boats.
The event merged traditional folk customs with modern sporting spirit, showcasing Jianghai's long-standing dragon boat culture and boosting public engagement in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
Jianghai boasts a time-honored dragon boat tradition. According to historical records, the custom was brought here by migrants from the north during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). By the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620), dragon boat races had already taken shape, giving the local tradition a history of over 400 years.
During the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1662–1722), Liyue and Waihai emerged as the two major centers of dragon boat culture in Jianghai. The two areas formed similar yet distinctive styles that complemented one another perfectly.
Traditionally, Jianghai's Dragon Boat Festival activities have centered on large traditional dragon boats, while smaller boats are rarely seen together during the festival. This year's parade was specially organized to broaden public exposure and highlight the inclusiveness and diversity of local dragon boat culture.
Large traditional dragon boats embody collective competition and village cohesion, reflecting the spirit of unity and mutual assistance among clans. The nimble 5-person boats and dragon sculls serve mainly for community recreation and neighborhood competition, connecting folk customs with everyday life.
Meanwhile, the 22-person international-standard boats link traditional folklore with modern competitive sports. The simultaneous parade of all these vessel types on the same river offered a striking picture of Jianghai's rich and diverse dragon boat culture.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Jianghai Gaoxin Fabu
