The 2026 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament kicks off on June 20. It brings together more than 3,800 athletes from 105 teams representing 20 countries and regions to compete on the Pearl River.
The tournament features 22-person, 600-meter sprint races, with teams racing along the waterways between North Gate Square of Sun Yat-sen University and Guangzhou Bridge.
Dragon boat racing is a key tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival. In southern China, particularly in Guangdong, the tradition has grown into a vibrant community culture, with dragon boat ceremonies and races symbolizing unity, good fortune, and a shared connection. Today, dragon boat racing has also become a cultural bridge that connects people around the world.
Reporter: Dai Bosi
Cameraman: IP Guangdong creator Wu Wenjun, Su Hongbin, Zhang Ning
Video editor: Xu Anrui
