Hundreds of oars churned the water as dragon boats raced fiercely. From September 11th to 14th, the 14th Shanghai World Chinese Dragon Boat Invitational and the 15th Yangtze River Delta City Dragon Boat Invitational were grandly held in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District. Twenty-eight teams with 600 athletes from 13 countries and regions gathered in the waterside town of Qingpu. Using boats as a medium and competitions to meet friends, they displayed their heroic prowess as “aquatic dragons” upon the emerald waves, coming together for this annual event that combines competitive passion and cultural exchange.

On the afternoon of September 13th, the opening ceremony was grandly held at Zhujiajiao Town’s Civic Square. The ceremony was full of highlights and rising climaxes. A short video回顾ed the passionate moments of past events, both重温ing the热血岁月 of dragon boat racing and串联ing the rapidly developing landscape of Qingpu New Town; the激昂澎湃 large drum performance “Drums Shake, Lions Leap” was magnificent, its铿锵 drumbeats激荡ing the upward spirit of the Chinese people; the traditional martial art from the Taihu Lake basin, “Jiangnan Boat Boxing,” combined hardness and softness, interpreting the profound depth of waterside culture in every move; the breakdance performance “Extreme Dancing” set the stage on fire with dynamic beats, showcasing youthful style. These diverse cultural and sports performances allowed athletes from around the world to immerse themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese sports culture. The venue erupted with thunderous applause and cheers, pushing the opening ceremony to one climax after another.

This year’s competition was set up professionally and diversely, covering multiple events including the 22-person open dragon boat and 12-person mixed dragon boat 200-meter and 500-meter straight course races. It tested team coordination and showcased the激情碰撞 of speed and strength. At the competition site, flags fluttered along the Dianpu River banks as teams, wearing unified uniforms, boarded the dragon boats in high spirits. At the starting signal, the lined-up dragon boats shot forward like arrows from their strings. Instantly, the lake surface churned with white waves, oars flew in unison, and water splashed everywhere. Team members shouted铿锵 slogans and moved as one; the dragon boats cut through the waves, speeding forward with dragon flags fluttering in the wind. The athletes, united and striving forward, carved moving trajectories against the blue waters and sky, becoming the most inspiring scenery on the Dianpu River.

In the end, the Spanish Chinese Dragon Boat Team and Jiangsu Nantong Ningran Photoelectric Dream Team won first place overall in the 12-person mixed dragon boat and 22-person open dragon boat categories, respectively.

Since its inception in 2009, the Shanghai World Chinese Dragon Boat Invitational has become the only international dragon boat event in China primarily focused on Chinese participants from around the world. After more than a decade of accumulation and growth, it is not only a competitive event but also an important platform for uniting the emotions of global Chinese communities and promoting Chinese culture. For many participating teams, this event has long transcended mere competition, resembling an annual gathering of old friends. Here, there is both the激情碰撞 of rowing and racing waves and the cultural exchange of meeting friends through boats; it showcases the competitive风采 of dragon boat teams from various countries while also carrying cultural recognition that跨越es mountains and seas. The event not only provides a stage for high-level competition but also continues to expand its international influence, attracting dragon boat enthusiasts from around the world to gather in Qingpu. This year, the event deeply integrated for the first time with the Yangtze River Delta City Dragon Boat Invitational. As a key dragon boat IP event in the Yangtze River Delta region, this invitational involves joint participation from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, and has become an important platform for promoting the integrated development of culture, tourism, and sports in the Yangtze River Delta and regional exchange and cooperation. This year, a total of 12 large dragon boat teams with 288 athletes from the three provinces and one city participated.

As the “Hometown of Chinese Dragon Boating,” Qingpu not only boasts abundant water cultural resources but also carries profound ancient civilization底蕴. Here, dragon boat racing is not only a time-honored traditional sport but also a cultural practice deeply integrated into folk life and passed down through generations.

Zhujiajiao Town

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, often called the “Venice of Shanghai” for its network of canals, stone bridges, and traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Its history spans over 1,700 years, having thrived as a bustling market town due to its key location along important waterways for trade and transport. Today, it is a popular tourist destination where visitors can experience its historic charm by taking boat rides and walking along its old cobbled streets.

Qingpu District

Qingpu District is a suburban district of Shanghai, China, known for its rich history as the cradle of Shanghai’s civilization, with origins dating back over 6,000 years. It is famed for its ancient water towns like Zhujiajiao, characterized by traditional canals, bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Today, it serves as an important ecological and cultural zone, blending its historical heritage with modern development.

Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta is a fertile and economically vital region in eastern China, historically known as the “land of fish and rice” and a cradle of Wu-Yue culture. It has been a major center of trade, commerce, and innovation since ancient times, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is one of the world’s most important economic hubs, encompassing megacities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.

Dianpu River

The Dianpu River is a historically significant waterway in Shanghai, China, functioning as a vital ancient canal for irrigation and transport. It played a crucial role in the agricultural development of the region, particularly for the Songjiang District. Today, it remains an important part of Shanghai’s water network and has been the focus of modern ecological restoration efforts.

Taihu Lake

Taihu Lake is a large freshwater lake in the Yangtze Delta plain, located on the border of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. It is one of China’s most famous lakes, historically celebrated in poetry and art for its scenic beauty, which includes distinctive limestone formations. The lake has been a vital resource for the region for millennia, supporting agriculture, fishing, and transportation.

Jiangnan Boat Boxing

Jiangnan Boat Boxing is a traditional Chinese martial art that originated among boatmen and fishermen on the waterways of the Jiangnan region during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is characterized by low stances and compact movements adapted for fighting on the unstable, confined spaces of small wooden boats. This style reflects the practical self-defense needs and unique cultural environment of the historical Jiangnan water towns.

Shanghai World Chinese Dragon Boat Invitational

The Shanghai World Chinese Dragon Boat Invitational is an annual international sporting and cultural event that celebrates the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing. Its history is rooted in the folk rituals of the Qu Yuan legend, dating back over 2,000 years. The modern invitational brings together teams from across the globe to compete and promote cultural exchange in Shanghai.

Yangtze River Delta City Dragon Boat Invitational

The Yangtze River Delta City Dragon Boat Invitational is a major annual sporting and cultural event celebrating the ancient tradition of dragon boat racing. Its history is rooted in the folk ritual of the Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan who lived during the Warring States period of ancient China. The invitational brings together competitive teams from the major cities within the economically vibrant Yangtze River Delta region.