Watch dragon boats engage in a tug-of-war on the river—the Kaohsiung Love River Dragon Boat Festival Carnival kicks off on June 4!

▲The annual “Kaohsiung Love River Dragon Boat Festival Carnival” will also kick off on June 4. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is just around the corner, and the annual “Kaohsiung Love River Dragon Boat Festival Carnival” will also commence on June 4. Over eight consecutive days, visitors can enjoy hundreds of dragon boats racing along the Love River, as well as the highly popular dragon boat tug-of-war race from last year—this year’s must-see highlight!

The Kaohsiung City Government stated that the Kaohsiung Dragon Boat Race is the country’s foremost event that combines traditional dragon boat racing with competitive dragon boating. It is held annually at both the Love River and Zhongyun Fishing Port, with daytime and nighttime events to enjoy. Last year’s debut dragon boat tug-of-war race was widely praised, and this year the number of participating categories has increased. A total of 38 teams and 437 participants are expected to put on an exciting display of dragon boat tug-of-war on the Love River.

The most competitive dragon boat races will take place on the 7th, with a total of 137 teams registered this year. Surrounding activities include eco-friendly raft fun paddling, Dragon Boat Festival egg-standing contests, canoe exhibitions, and water experience activities featuring sailboats and canoes, making the atmosphere as lively as a carnival.

The Love River Dragon Boat Festival Carnival series of events will be held for eight consecutive days from June 4 to 11 along the banks of the Love River. The dragon boat tug-of-war will kick off the festivities, while the competitive dragon boat races will take place from June 7 to 9. In addition, during the event period, there will be fun water-based activities, street performer shows on both sides of the river, a local agricultural and specialty product fair, and food stalls. Visitors are welcome to come to Kaohsiung to enjoy the dragon boat races and celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival!