The thunder of drums and the surge of paddles returned to the Wanjiang section of the Dongjiang River in Dongguan on June 15 as the 2026 "Wanjiang Dragon Super League · No. 1 Spectacle" Dragon Boat Championship got underway. Twenty-six dragon boats cut through the water to the cadence of rhythmic chants, their crews driving forward in unison during a fierce contest held only once every three years.
At the sound of the starting signal, every crew sprang into synchronized motion. Drummers beat out powerful, precise rhythms as paddlers drove their blades in unison, each stroke slicing cleanly through the water and sending spray into the air. Their strength, teamwork, and relentless drive to pull ahead embodied the spirit of dragon boat racing.
Both riverbanks were packed with spectators, whose cheers rose above the water as they waved enthusiastically. Many residents arrived early in the morning to secure the best vantage points: some settled into folding chairs, while others crouched on grassy slopes with cameras at the ready. Even elderly residents in wheelchairs urged their families to hurry, determined not to miss the spectacle.
In one memorable scene, a villager brought a ladder from home and climbed it while holding a child to get a better view. Tian Xing, a teacher who had traveled from Shijie Town specifically to watch the race, captured the moment in a sketch. "I found the scene especially interesting, so I decided to sketch it," Tian said. "It perfectly reflects the deep affection that people in this water town have for dragon boats. Traditional culture is deeply rooted in their hearts."
After four fiercely contested rounds, Shimei Community claimed the championship, with Gonglian Community finishing second and Xincun Community taking third place.
Author: Yao Mengyin, Wang Ying
Photo: Gong Mingyang, Huang Zhengzheng, Huang Weixing
