On May 12th, the 2024 Dragon Boat Performance at Haizhu Wetland and the 10th Guangzhou-Foshan Dragon Boat Race (Haizhu Wetland Station) commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Haizhu National Wetland Park in Guangzhou. This marked the official start of the sixth edition of the Dragon Boat Performance at Haizhu Wetland.

Event scaled up for this edition

This year's event witnessed an expansion in scale, attracting 36 dragon boat teams from Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, and the reigning champions from the 2023 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitation Tournament. Their participation undoubtedly added more excitement and suspense to the competition.

The competition consists of preliminary rounds, second rounds, semi-finals, and finals. Following intensive competition, 12 elite teams will emerge victorious and earn the right to compete in the 2024 Haizhu Wetland Dragon Boat Open Race.

At 10 a.m. on the 12th, the sound of the starting gun marked the official commencement of the races. Four standard dragon boats showcased speed and passion along the 300-meter straight course. The intensity peaked during the afternoon finals, providing spectators with a thrilling and exhilarating visual spectacle.

Dragon boat "drifting" to the urban "green heart"

This year's series of events combines athleticism with spectator appeal. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday (June 8th-10th), the park will host events for dragon boat performances. Through activities such as dragon boat drifting performances, dragon boat tours, dragon boat races, traditional rituals, and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, visitors will embark on an entertaining and culturally rich journey during the Dragon Boat Festival.

On June 8th, the highlight will be the dragon boat drifting performance. Utilizing the unique water environment, the spectacle of the dragon boat "drifting" will be presented at the urban "green heart." Residents won't need to travel far to witness this waterborne acrobatic event at Haizhu Wetland.

Organizers revealed that the expansive surface area of the Shiliugang River at Haizhu Wetland will be utilized for the dragon boat drifting competition, with specially designed obstacle courses. Skilled participants will demonstrate smooth cornering at high speeds, tail drifting, and navigating through challenging turns.

In addition to the thrilling drifting performance, Haizhu Wetland will host dragon boat tours and dragon boat races involving thousands of participants, dragon boat experience classes for thousands, and a grand dragon boat banquet, creating an unforgettable cultural experience for visitors to Haizhu Wetland.