Catch the Excitement: Where to Watch the Dragon Boat Racing in China This Summer!
- anywherechina020
- May 22
- 2 min read
As summer approaches, so does one of China's most vibrant and thrilling celebrations: the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as <Duanwu>（端午） Festival.
What's it all about?
Imagine a lively festival filled with energy, tradition, and a spectacular water sport! The Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (this year on Saturday, May 31st, 2025), commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan.
A key part of the celebration is dragon boat racing. These aren't just any boats; they are long, narrow canoes, brightly decorated with dragon heads and tails, powered by teams of paddlers working in perfect unison to the beat of a drum. It's a fantastic spectacle of teamwork, speed, and cultural heritage that you won't want to miss!
*Special Dragon Boat Racing: Guangdong’s Most Thrilling Water Spectacle -- Cantonese Die Jiao Dragon Boat 广东叠滘龙舟
Located in Foshan, Guangdong Province, Diejiao is famous for hosting one of the most intense and dramatic dragon boat races in China. Unlike traditional dragon boat races on wide rivers or lakes, Diejiao’s competition takes place in narrow, winding village canals, where skilled rowers must navigate sharp turns at high speeds—a style known as "Diejiao cornering" (叠滘拐弯). Due to this unique setting, Diejiao’s races are often referred to as the "F1 of Dragon Boats".
The races usually take place during the Dragon Boat Festival in June, attracting thousands of spectators every year. The powerful drumming, splashing water, cheering crowds, and adrenaline-pumping turns create an electrifying atmosphere unlike any other.
Where and when to watch it?
Ready to witness this incredible tradition? We've rounded up where you can catch the dragon boat races in some of China's major tourist cities.
(Please note: While we strive to provide the latest information, specific dates and times can sometimes change. It's always a good idea to double-check with local sources closer to the festival.)
Here's a look at what we've found for 2025 so far, with some information based on previous years' events if 2025 details are still emerging:
City | Race Location | Predicted Date | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|
Beijing | West Bank of the Canal, Tongzhou District (Dongguan Bridge - Shangying Bridge waters) | May 31, 2025 | 9:00 - 12:00 |
Shanghai | Shanghai Yuehu Sculpture Park | May 31, 2025 | To be announced |
Shanghai | Suzhou Creek, COSCO Two Bays City & Mengqing Garden waters | May 23 - 25, 2025 | 08:00 - 18:00 |
Guangzhou | Liede River (Liede Chung) | May 31, 2025 | 08:00 - 12:00 |
Shenzhen | Dasha River Ecological Corridor, Nanshan District | May 31, 2025 | To be announced |
Shenzhen | Longgang River, Longyuan Demonstration Section | May 24 - 25, 2025 | To be announced |
Shenzhen | Guanlan River (in front of Guanhu Century Plaza), Longhua District | May 25 - 27, 2025 | To be announced |
Hangzhou | Xixi Wetland Jiangnan Sports Aquatic Sports Center | May 25, 2025 | 09:00 - 12:00 |
Wuhan | East Lake Scenic Area | May 31 - June 2, 2025 | 08:00 - 18:00 |
Chengdu | Xinjin South River and its banks | May 31, 2025 | 10:00 - 16:00 |
Chongqing | Miaoshan Lake, Xiangguo Park | May 31, 2025 | 08:00 - 12:00 |
Chongqing | Laixi River, Liyue Dongfang Section, Rongchang | May 31, 2025 | 08:00 - 12:00 |
Changsha | Qianlong Lake Ecological Tourism Resort | May 25, 2025 | 08:30 - 16:30 |
Nanjing | Yanzhi River, Honglan Township Section | May 31, 2025 | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Where to watch Cantonese Die Jiao Dragon Boat
1. Solo Dragon Boat Race (Opening Race)
Date: May 1, 2025 (Thursday) at 14:00
Location: Diejiao Canal, Guicheng Subdistrict, Nanhai District, Foshan
2. Main Races (During the Dragon Boat Festival)
Date: May 31 to June 15, 2025, starting at 14:00 daily
Venues and Race Courses:
May 31 – Dongsheng Cup: Dongsheng Village, Diebei Community (S-shaped village waterway)
June 1 – Shengtang Cup: Shengtang Village, Dianan Community (L-shaped course near Kong Clan Hall)
June 2 – Tantou Cup: Tantou Village, Diebei Community (C-shaped course near Li Clan Hall)
June 14 – Chaji Cup: Chaji Village, Dianan Community (Straight course with hidden turns near the Village History Museum)
June 15 – Challenger Cup: Tantou Village, Diebei Community
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