As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches on Friday, dragon boat races will be held in multiple locations across Shenzhen over the long weekend. Here are a few recommended by Wenlyu Shenzhen (文旅深圳), a WeChat public account of Shenzhen municipal government’s tourism bureau.
Xinzhou River (新洲河) in Futian District
Twenty-four teams – including international teams and one from the scientific research field – will compete in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area invitational tournament on June 19 at the Yangjihui (阳基汇) section of the river.
Highlights include
- A performance by Lightning, the humanoid robot developed by the Chinese smartphone maker Honor. The robot became the first to complete a half marathon faster than the official human world record in a Beijing race in April.
- An Ao Fish lantern parade
- An evening waterfront event along the Xinzhou River, where visitors can dress in hanfu and board decorated flower boats
- A carnival with over 100 stalls featuring intangible cultural heritage craft workshops, creative merchandise, local delicacies, and traditional folk games
Dasha River (大沙河) in Nanshan District
Approximately 20 teams – totaling 500 rowers from Greater Bay Area enterprises, universities, government agencies, and international teams including Germany and Russia – will compete at the river’s greenway section on June 19. Known for its lush green banks and a stunning urban backdrop, the river offers spectators great views while they enjoy the races.
Highlights include
- dragon boat eye-dotting ceremony
- Wing Chun performances
- Lingnan song and dance performances
- intangible cultural heritage shows
Yueliang Bay (月亮湾) in Nan’ao (南澳), Dapeng New District
Thirty teams will compete over two days from June 18-19, including squads representing GBA cities, local Shenzhen teams, and one Asia-Pacific joint team.
Highlights include
- a multi-culture show featuring international performers
- a performance of traditional rituals of fisherman’s wedding
- a grass dragon parade
- a performance by the Lightning humanoid robot
- a marine technology show featuring electric hydrofoils, smart boats, and ocean exploration equipment
- a sea urchin food zone
This article is based on original report in Chinese as published on Wenlyu Shenzhen (文旅深圳), a WeChat public account of Shenzhen municipal government’s tourism bureau.
