The highly anticipated 2025 China (Foshan) Diejiao Dragon Boat Drifting Race launched on May 31 in Guicheng, Nanhai District, Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province, marking the first day of this year's spectacular Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.

The opening day featured the Dongsheng Zone (S-Curve) competition, widely recognized as the most challenging segment of the entire race series in Diejiao-style dragon boat drifting. On this demanding course, 25-meter-long dragon boats must navigate six sharp turns at high speed.

Particularly daunting are the second and third turns—back-to-back hairpin bends that test the limits of team coordination and precision steering.

The excitement continued throughout the Dragon Boat Festival holiday with two additional competition zones: June 1 – Shengtang Zone (L-Curve) and June 2 – Tantou Zone (C-Curve).

These races are part of a long-standing tradition in Foshan, combining cultural heritage, intense athleticism, and impressive aquatic skill. Spectators can expect a thrilling showcase of speed, strategy, and the deep-rooted tradition and teamwork that define dragon boat racing in the region.

Photo | Dia Jaixin, Liao Mingcan, Li Xin

Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He