FOSHAN — As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the ancient waterways of Diejiao in Foshan, Guangdong are again going to thud with the rhythmic thunder of drumbeats and the fierce splashing of oars.
Famous for narrow, winding rivers where crews must perform dramatic stunts — and sudden stops — fans call the dragon boat racing in Diejiao the “Formula 1 on water.”
For the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, four main races have been scheduled from June 19 to 22. For those who want to experience the high-adrenaline spectacle of hairpin turns, centimeter-perfect navigation, and a spirit that declares, “Better to crash than to slow down,” Foshan News recommends the following four top viewing spots.
Dongsheng (东胜)
Earning its reputation as the ultimate test of skill, the Dongsheng “S” bend is widely considered the most challenging track in Diejiao races. The 648-meter course packs a relentless series of six sharp turns, forcing a 25-meter-long dragon boat to execute what locals call “one drum roll for three bends”, a feat that demands near-impossible precision.
With the margin for error virtually zero, even a single misstep at the first turn can exponentially amplify the difficulty of what comes next.
Best Viewing Spot: Sanyutang (三馀堂)
Race Day: June 19, afternoon
Shengtang Village (圣堂村)
The Shengtang “L” bend is a masterclass in physics and teamwork. The course features two brutal 90-degree right-angle turns, further complicated by the legendary obstacle known as the “Kaoshi Corner” — a sharp stone jut that waits for any boat that drifts too wide.
The rock is scarred by countless dragon boats that have tried — and many that have failed. In this arena, a spectacular crash is always just a heartbeat away.
Best Viewing Spot: Guanlong Tower (观龙楼)
Race Day: June 20, afternoon
Tantou (潭头)
Many consider the Tantou “C” bend the most spectacular visual of the entire derby. The classic C-shaped turn becomes even more treacherous thanks to a massive wooden pile deliberately placed in the middle of the water. This forces crews to pull off a maneuver known as “divine dragon's tail swing.”
Best Viewing Spot: Tantou Second Cultural Center (潭头第二文娱馆). Another excellent perspective is between the Cultural Center and the Guanlong Pavilion (观龙亭).
Race Day: June 21, afternoon
Chaji (茶基)
This year, the Chaji district breaks from tradition with a new format: “two dragons playing with a pearl” (双龙戏珠). Unlike the single-boat runs on the other tracks, this is a direct, head-to-head battle.
Two teams start from opposite ends of the straight track. They race to a central point, execute a sharp U-turn at the narrow bend, and race back — creating a chaotic, breathtaking confrontation. The winner is determined by the total time of both runs.
Best Viewing Spot: Chaji Village History Museum (茶基村史馆)
Match Day: June 22, afternoon
This article is based on original report in Chinese as published on Foshan News (佛山新闻), a WeChat public account of Foshan government’s culture and tourism bureau.
