On October 26, the 2018 Nanhai Hundred Boats Dragon Boat Invitational Race & Xiqiao Dragon Boat Carnival, part of the series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area, was held at Tingyin Lake in Xiqiao. This year’s competition featured a 12-person dragon boat 400-meter straight-line sprint (men's), a single dragon boat paddling relay race (men's), and the debut of an 8-person dragon boat tug-of-war (men's). A total of 28 teams from various towns (streets) in Nanhai District, 40 dragon boat paddling teams (20 from Xiqiao, 10 from Jiujiang, and 10 from Danzao), and 4 Xiqiao-based endurance dragon boat teams raced across Tingyin Lake.
On the day, Tingyin Lake was bustling with crowds as many locals came to cheer on the competitions. The brave racers vied for the lead in the dragon boat sprints, the dragon boat paddling races featured thrilling chases, and the tug-of-war showcased raw power. In the end, the Nanhai Yuanhang Jiujiang Dragon Boat Team won the title of “Dragon King” in the dragon boat sprint, Tan Shipeng from Jiujiang Town claimed the championship in the single dragon boat paddling race, and the Bai Dong Village Committee of Xiqiao Town earned the title of “Strongest Team” in the dragon boat tug-of-war.
Over four hundred brave men paddled their dragon boats in the race
At 10:00 AM, following the eye-dotting ceremony, the starting gun fired and 336 racers from 28 dragon boat teams across Nanhai District’s towns (streets) sliced through the waves at Tingyin Lake, engaging in an intense battle of speed and endurance over the 400-meter straight course. The 12-person dragon boat 400-meter sprint (men's) competition used a preliminary, semifinal, and final format to determine the rankings.
The single dragon boat paddling relay race, dubbed the “aquatic drift,” returned to Tingyin Lake. Forty dragon boat paddling teams set off together in competition. The multiple C-shaped turns on the Tingyin Lake paddling track treated spectators to multiple “aquatic drifts.” This event adopted a three-lap endurance race around the lake, and although almost all participants had prior competition experience, some still capsized due to loss of balance. The “dragon boat paddle” (commonly known as “dragon boat”) is a colloquial term for small dragon boats, measuring only 3.3 to 3.5 meters in length and capable of carrying just over 100 pounds, thus limited to one paddler. The boat is equipped with two foot pedals on the left and right that can be adjusted to steer during the race. The single dragon boat paddling race demands considerable skill and tests the paddler’s balance—slight lapses in stamina can easily lead to capsizing.
The loudest cheers of the day undoubtedly went to the 8-person dragon boat tug-of-war. The aquatic version of tug-of-war made its debut at Tingyin Lake, with four teams fiercely competing for the title of “Dragon Boat Strongest Team.” The dragon boat tug-of-war is a true test of strength and teamwork, with two boats rowing in opposite directions, and the team that pulls the red flag in the center to within 1.5 meters of the winning mark declared the victor.
The allure of dragon boat culture draws attention as a new Lingnan cultural tourism experience rises
As a traditional folk activity rich in cultural heritage, dragon boat racing has become an important part of life for the people of Nanhai. At this year’s event, spectators could not only enjoy the thrilling dragon boat races but also get an up-close look at the history and culture behind the tradition. A dragon boat culture exhibition wall was set up at Tingyin Lake Square, where audiences could also enjoy performances featuring aerial, water, and land-based dragon dances. These displays captured the attention of the crowd, drawing gasps and applause.
It is reported that the nearly 200-meter-long “Heavenly Flying Dragon” kite was crafted by four masters including Zheng Rongfa, the inheritor of the Yangjiang kite-making intangible cultural heritage from Yangjiang City. The team spent one month creating the piece. With technical improvements, the dragon kite now flies more dynamically and fiercely, while also solving issues such as unsmooth and unnatural twisting angles typical of long-string kites like dragons, which were prone to tangling. The entire flying process was majestic and powerful—the giant dragon danced in the sky, whether twisting up and down or swaying side to side, exuding tremendous force.
This year, the opening ceremony was held in front of the Nanhai Qiaoshan Cultural Center. Located along the axis of Tingyin Lake, the Nanhai Qiaoshan Cultural Center is a key tourism and cultural project in the Tingyin Lake area and a cultural landmark of Nanhai. It will host events such as the Global Nanhai Reunion Conference and various Chinese-themed forums. Surrounding attractions such as Guanxin Town, Songcheng’s “Xiqiao Mountain Lingnan Millennium Love” project, Feihong Pavilion, Yunying Qionglou, and Baiyun Building will add elements of fun and immersive experiences to Xiqiao’s cultural tourism, further highlighting the image of Tingyin Lake as a “Lingnan Cultural Tourism RBD.”
By bringing together dragon boat teams from various towns and streets in Nanhai, the event has maximized Tingyin Lake’s role as a window to showcase Lingnan culture, fully presenting the region’s outstanding traditional heritage. Liang Huiyan, Director of the Nanhai District Culture and Sports Bureau, stated that the Nanhai Hundred Boats Dragon Boat Invitational Race is the annual finals of the Nanhai dragon boat competitions. Participating teams from various towns (villages and communities) must go through fierce selection to qualify, ensuring a high level of competitive skill. It is also a deeply rooted dragon boat culture brand. Through these activities, the city’s image is further enhanced, national fitness is promoted, and the development of cultural tourism brands is advanced.
[Competition Results]
12-Person Dragon Boat 400-Meter Straight-Line Sprint (Men's)
1st Place: Nanhai Yuanhang Jiujiang Dragon Boat Team
2nd Place: Jiujiang Shazui Xiongsu Group Dragon Boat Team
3rd Place: Xiqiao Da’an Chamber of Commerce Dragon Boat Team
8-Person Dragon Boat Tug-of-War (Men's)
1st Place: Xiqiao Town Bai Dong Village Committee
2nd Place: Xiqiao Town Dragon Lion Martial Arts Sports Association Team A
3rd Place: Xiqiao Town Patriotic Dragon Boat Association
Single Dragon Boat Paddling Relay Race (Men's)
1st Place: Tan Shipeng
2nd Place: Tan Shipao
3rd Place: Guan Runchang