Exclusive interview with Associate Professor Sun Wenjie from the School of Physical Education at China University

During the Dragon Boat Festival, lively dragon boat scenes unfold across China, with boats racing one after another, creating a spectacular holiday spectacle. Dragon boat racing, a traditional Chinese sport, has also gained popularity overseas. From the «dragon boat banquets» of Chinese communities in Southeast Asia to dragon boat races in Cape Town (South Africa), from dragon boat training camps in Argentine Chinese communities to the Chinese Dragon Boat Club in Italy—how has this millennia-old tradition left its mark abroad?

Recently, Associate Professor Sun Wenjie from the School of Physical Education at China University shared insights on how dragon boat racing evolved from a folk symbol to an international language.

Key highlights from the interview:

Question: What stages has dragon boat racing undergone in its development—from a traditional Chinese folk activity to a popular competitive sport? What factors contributed to its spread overseas?

Sun Wenjie: The global spread of dragon boat racing can be divided into four stages: originating during the Warring States period as a ritual and prayer; evolving into a folk and competitive activity during the Ming and Qing dynasties; in the mid-19th century, Hong Kong Chinese introduced dragon boat culture to Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe, making it a symbol of cultural identity for overseas Chinese communities; in 1976, the first Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Invitational Race was held, pushing the sport toward internationalization, followed by the establishment of the International Dragon Boat Federation, which standardized rules and accelerated competitive progress; in the 21st century, dragon boat racing integrated with environmental protection and social welfare, among other fields, achieving localization in countries like the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Argentina, fostering cross-cultural integration.

Five key factors enabled dragon boat racing to take root overseas: Chinese communities laying the foundation through festival organization; China promoting dragon boats as a cultural symbol; international sports organizations standardizing rules, hosting competitions, and commercializing the sport; the competitive nature aligning with Western values; and media promotion helping diverse ethnic groups understand and participate. Additionally, the teamwork and collaboration emphasized in dragon boat racing resonate in corporate culture and education, enhancing global adaptability.

Question: What are the biggest challenges dragon boat racing faces in international promotion, and how can they be addressed?

Sun Wenjie: The main challenge lies in adapting cultural symbols to a global linguistic environment. Cultural differences and language barriers often reduce dragon boat racing to a mere water sport overseas, obscuring its underlying values of collectivism, harmony between humans and nature, and traditional festival customs.

This cognitive gap stems from structural differences in language systems and civilizational values. Additionally, some international promotion remains superficial, lacking systematic and localized reconstruction, hindering genuine integration into local societies.

Promoting dragon boat culture abroad requires innovative communication models. On one hand, leveraging new media tools like short videos and live streams can create an integrated online-offline communication structure, enhancing interactivity. On the other hand, deepening cultural interpretation is crucial—systematically analyzing its historical roots and spiritual foundation while linking its values (teamwork, courage, pioneering spirit) to global cultural recognition.

For example, incorporating traditional ceremonies like «eye-dotting» and drum awakening into competitions can blend cultural elements with competitive mechanisms, enriching the cultural atmosphere. Furthermore, introducing dragon boat racing into overseas schools and Chinese education systems, along with developing cultural courses, can turn it into an educational tool for cultural transmission.

Simultaneously, fostering intercultural communication talent—utilizing bilingual educators and international students—can facilitate precise dissemination and deeper recognition of dragon boat culture through localized expression, ensuring broader transmission and sustainability abroad.

Question: What is the essence of dragon boat racing as a cultural ambassador, and what unique role does it play in preserving Chinese culture?

Sun Wenjie: Dragon boat racing transcends language barriers

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It honors the memory of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period who drowned himself in protest, with customs like dragon boat racing and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). The festival also incorporates rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, reflecting its ancient origins in seasonal and cultural traditions.

China University

China University typically refers to a higher education institution in China, though the name is not specific to one university. For example, **China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL)** was founded in 1952 and is a prestigious institution specializing in law and political science. Many Chinese universities have rich histories tied to national development, often established or restructured during key periods like the 1950s or reforms in the 1980s-90s. Would you like details on a specific university?

Warring States period

The Warring States period (475–221 BCE) was an era of intense conflict and political fragmentation in ancient China, marked by warfare among seven major states—Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Qin. It was a time of significant military, philosophical, and administrative advancements, including the rise of Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. The period ended when the Qin state conquered its rivals, unifying China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE.

Ming and Qing dynasties

The Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties were the last two imperial dynasties of China, known for their cultural, economic, and political achievements. The Ming Dynasty restored Han Chinese rule and is famed for the Great Wall’s expansion, maritime expeditions, and vibrant arts, while the Qing Dynasty, led by the Manchus, expanded China’s territory to its greatest extent and oversaw a period of prosperity before decline due to internal rebellions and foreign pressures. Both eras left enduring legacies in architecture, literature, and governance, shaping modern Chinese identity.

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Invitational Race

The **Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Invitational Race** is a vibrant annual event held during the **Dragon Boat Festival**, celebrating the traditional Chinese holiday with thrilling races and cultural festivities. Originating from ancient rituals to honor poet **Qu Yuan** (circa 340–278 BCE), the competition has grown into a major international sporting event, attracting teams from around the world since its modern revival in **1976**. Held in **Victoria Harbour**, the race showcases Hong Kong’s rich heritage and dynamic spirit.

International Dragon Boat Federation

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing, established in 1991 to promote and standardize the sport worldwide. Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions dating back over 2,000 years, dragon boat racing honors the legend of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet. The IDBF organizes international competitions, sets rules, and fosters cultural exchange through this dynamic team water sport.

U.S.

The United States (U.S.) is a diverse and expansive country in North America, founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Britain. Known for its cultural influence, democratic government, and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon, the U.S. has a complex history shaped by colonization, immigration, and civil rights movements. It is a global leader in technology, entertainment, and economics, with a rich blend of traditions from its Indigenous, European, African, and immigrant heritage.

Australia

Australia is both a country and a continent, known for its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Indigenous history dating back over 65,000 years. Colonized by the British in 1788, it became a federation in 1901 and is now a multicultural nation with vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. Its culture blends Indigenous traditions with influences from British colonization and global immigration.