Global teams embrace "awesome vibe" of Jiangmen Kaiping's Dragon Boat Race

On May 31, Kaiping hosted the 2025 Jiangmen Kaiping International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament, drawing crowds as part of the region's vibrant Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.

This year's event features 500-meter sprints for 22-person dragon boats in two categories: local and open groups, alongside lively parades and performances highlighting Lingnan cultural traditions.

The 2025 Jiangmen Kaiping International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament (Photo: Xiong Yi)

Alongside teams from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) universities and districts, the event welcomed teams from four other countries, including Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.

From ornate boats to rituals like the "dragon eye dotting" and thrilling races, the event offers an immersive cultural experience—one that celebrates teamwork and encourages international participation.

"The worries of the day just melt away—you're focused on the boat and the team," said Kho Hao Yuan, coach of Singapore's Kiyah Splash Dragon Boat Team, which finished second in the open group. "What sets Kaiping apart is its deep cultural commitment. In some villages, locals host their own races and dragon boat dinners—that dedication to tradition is truly touching."

Kiyah-Splashh! Dragon Boat Team (Photo: Yang Xingle)

Smailkhan Altynbek, a member of the Kazakhstan Almaty Dragon Boat Team, said: "The trait of the dragon boat, which combines strength and beauty, deeply attracts me. I find it very interesting, so I formed a team with a group of friends who were equally drawn to it, and we trained together, sharing the joy of it.”

"Awesome vibe! This is a precious experience. Although I have learned about China's Dragon Boat Festival before, this is the first time I have experienced it in China. The lively atmosphere exceeded my expectations. Everyone was cheering warmly, which made me feel extremely excited," Smailkhan Altynbek said.