Imagine 160 vibrant dragon boats slicing through the waters of Tongren City in China’s Guizhou Province, their rhythmic drumbeats echoing under the summer sky. This electrifying scene marked preparations for the Duanwu Festival (June 10), where ancient traditions meet modern-day excitement.
Crowds gathered along the Bijiang River banks, cheering as teams synchronized oars to the pulse of drums—a centuries-old ritual believed to ward off misfortune and ensure prosperity. Tongren, dubbed China’s 'Hometown of Traditional Dragon Boats,' has turned this cultural gem into a national treasure: Bijiang’s dragon boat racing earned intangible heritage status in 2011, and the region has hosted 13 major competitions since.
'It’s more than a race—it’s our history on water,' shared a local participant, reflecting the event’s deep roots. From intricate boat designs to roaring spectators, the festival bridges generations, offering a splash of tradition in today’s fast-paced world.
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This electrifying scene marked preparations for the Duanwu Festival (June 10), where ancient traditions meet modern-day excitement.
Tongren, dubbed China’s 'Hometown of Traditional Dragon Boats,' has turned this cultural gem into a national treasure: Bijiang’s dragon boat racing earned intangible heritage status in 2011, and the region has hosted 13 major competitions since.
'It’s more than a race—it’s our history on water,' shared a local participant, reflecting the event’s deep roots. From intricate boat designs to roaring spectators, the festival bridges generations, offering a splash of tradition in today’s fast-paced world.
Hele Town Races to Preserve Ancient Dragon Boat Legacy 
