When you hear the word "dragon boat," what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Wooden? Ancient? Or full of power? But here's the thing, hardly anyone would link them with cyberpunk vibes. In Ronggui, Shunde, Foshan, every Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday, the "night dragon boats" make their grand appearance.
Beneath the night sky, the boats retain traditional elements: gongs, drums and ceremonial parasols, and are strung with bright LED light strips, dressing up every corner of the boat in glowing light. With sound and light effects along both riverbanks, water, lights, dragon boats, and music come together in a dazzling display. It's absolutely amazing! The crews on the night dragon boats sway and rock to the beat of the music. This spectacle is known as "dragon boat dancing".
In 2026, the night dragon boat parade in Ronggui Nanqu Community, introduced a brand-new "Eastern Performance Boat". This boat brings together the most iconic intangible cultural heritage items from three towns in eastern Shunde: Ronggui Lion Dance, Daliang Fish Lanterns, and Lunjiao Giant Gongs. It is a floating showcase of the best of Chinese culture.
Have you ever seen a dragon boat like this?
Authors: Zhang Yanqing, Li Zhiqing
Video: Huang Xun
Cover design: Yan Jingwei
