It's that time of the year again!
Hey adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts! It’s that time of the year again when the rivers in China turn into pulsating race tracks for the Dragon Boat Festival🐉, also known as Duanwu Jie. This ancient festival, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (which lands on June 10, 2024), is not just about boat races; it’s a colorful mosaic of history, sport, and tantalizing traditions. Here’s your insider guide to enjoying one of China’s most vibrant festivals and where to catch the best dragon boat races across the nation. Almost every city will have its local dragon boat racing or dragon boat festival events! But here we will recommend you some bigger ones. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @chinainsider and @chinatravel.club for real-time updates!
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Shanghai
Dragon Boat Race at Huating Lake on June 10, 2024: Join the excitement at Huating Lake in the Songjiang District for the annual Dragon Boat Race, now in its 14th year. This event showcases a 656-foot (200 meters) sprint race. It will start from 7.30 am and finish at around 11.20 am. Huating Lake is celebrated for its beautiful surroundings, enhancing the experience of the race and making it a perfect spot for spectators to enjoy the day.
Beijing
This year’s Dragon Boat Festival in Beijing will see a thrilling dragon boat racing event at the Beijing International Fortune Center, spanning from the Qianhe Xielu Bridge to the Dongguan Bridge on June 10. The competition will feature 25 dragon boat teams competing in a mixed-gender 200-meter straight race. The event is organized across 5 racing lanes using 12-person dragon boats. This exciting event not only showcases traditional dragon boating but also highlights competitive spirit and teamwork, all set against the scenic backdrop of Beijing’s waterways. This race promises to be a spectacular display of skill and speed, celebrating one of China’s most cherished festivals.
Hangzhou
Xixi International Dragon Boat Race on June 10 in Hangzhou will feature an exciting lineup of ten international and local teams competing in a dynamic 1200-meter race course stretching from Shentankou to Qianjinyang in the Xixi Wetlands. This event not only highlights the competitive spirit of dragon boat racing but also includes a vibrant array of Dragon Boat Festival water-based cultural performances, making it a rich cultural and sporting experience for all attendees.
Guangzhou
People in Guangzhou are crazy for the Dragon Boat Festival and they make it a month-long event. The races will take place in every district of the city!
Haizhu Wetland Dragon Boat Race
Location: Haizhu Wetland
Dates and Times:
June 8: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Activities: Opening ceremony, dragon boat drifting performance, invitation group competition.
June 9: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Event: Family invitation race.
June 10: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Morning: Standard dragon boat public race and award ceremony.
Afternoon: Traditional dragon boat public race and award ceremony.
Nansha District Dragon Boat Race
Location: Jiaomen River, Innovation Bay, Nansha District
Date and Time: June 10: 10:00 AM – 1:40 PM
Baiyun District International Dragon Boat Open
Location: East Lake, Baiyun Lake
Date and Time: June 11: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Teams: Local community groups (16 teams), open groups (16 teams), international groups (4-8 teams), and a women’s group (local amateur teams).
Race Type: 500-meter straight track speed race.
Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational
Location: Water area from North Gate of Sun Yat-sen University to Guangzhou Bridge
Date: June 16
Tianhe District Dragon Boat Invitational
Location: Inner river channel of Haixinsha Square
Date: June 29
Hong Kong
The 2024 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be held on June 15-16 at Victoria Harbour, transforming the area into a vibrant and energetic hub. This iconic event draws participants and spectators from around the world to witness the competitive spirit and cultural celebrations right off the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.
Wanna go on a dragon boat yourself? Come to Foshan!
Foshan Diejiao Dragon Boat Drifting Experience🐉
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