As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the shores of Shenzhen Bay have witnessed the enthusiasm of global "villagers" eager to take part in the festivities.
"The 4th Dragon Boat Race on Idyllic Houhai River" unfolded in Nanshan District, Shenzhen on June 2. After fierce competition, a team from the Hong Kong Shekou Compatriots Association emerged as the champion.
Organized by the Shekou Sub-district and hosted by the Shenzhen Bay Community Party Committee, this annual dragon boat race has become not just a platform for locals to immerse themselves in traditional customs but also a gathering of residents from both China and abroad to showcase their talents, strengthen friendships, and promote cultural integration, embodying the unique "Shekou spirit."
The event featured a first-time "China-France Friendship Team," comprised of five French expatriates and six Chinese residents, reflecting the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries on the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Antoine Augeix, a French participant, expressed his excitement after winning the first round, saying, "The race was fantastic, with a great atmosphere and supportive spectators. It was a lively and exciting competition!"
The race also marked a new milestone in community participation and internationalization, attracting not only local government officials and community workers but also youth from Hong Kong involved in the Greater Bay Area's development and expatriates from countries including Germany, the UK, the US, Italy, Sweden, Pakistan, Brazil, and the Philippines.
The improvement of the Houhai River, where the race was held, has been another highlight of the event. "I went and stayed in Jiangxi about three years ago, when I came back to Shenzhen after three years' absence, it was a whole new place!" said Don Rechtman, a race participant from the United States who has resided in China for 17 years. Commenting on the development, he emphasized that in China, people are prioritized over profits, resulting in stunning community areas.
Over the years, Nanshan District has invested heavily in river rehabilitation and landscaping projects. The completed Houhai Central River Landscape Improvement Project (Phase II) has transformed the river into an ecological corridor, attracting residents for leisure and exercise. The river's integration of technological elements, such as smart public toilets and renewable energy installations, has further enhanced its appeal as a low-carbon public space.
With the Shenzhen Opera House and other cultural and ecological projects underway, Shekou is poised to become a cultural hub and world-class landmark in the Greater Bay Area, embodying harmony between mountains, seas, rivers, and bays, while integrating traditional and modern, Chinese and international elements.
The dragon boat race has become a symbol of Shekou's ongoing development, bringing joy to residents and visitors alike while fostering cultural exchange and community cohesion.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Video | Huang Jingkui
English editor | Olivia, Will, James
