Guizhou’s Shibing Single-Log Dragon Boat Race Series Kicks Off with Colorful Events

On June 19, the 2026 “Water Charm Guizhou” China Shibing Single-Log Dragon Boat Race Series kicked off at the Music Fountain Square in Shibing County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

Thousands Carry a Dragon Boat Through the Streets
Photo by Wu Changqian

More than 50 dragon boat teams were ready to compete, while over 30 ethnic costume contingents paraded through the streets to the rhythm of traditional songs. Visitors from various places gathered along the banks of the Wuyang River to watch the dragon boat races, appreciate intangible cultural heritage displays, and celebrate togetherness during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Dragon Boat Race Scene
Photo by Wu Changqian

At the highly anticipated parade in which a thousand people carried the giant wooden dragon boat, deep and powerful chants echoed through the streets. The participants moved in perfect unison with steady, powerful steps as they shouldered the 108-meter-long wooden dragon boat. The iconic bull-horn-shaped dragon head at the bow was vividly crafted and lifelike.

Parade Scene
Photo by Yang Jian

Along the streets, residents and tourists raised their phones to capture the spectacular scene. They splashed water on the parade participants using basins, ladles, and water guns as a blessing ritual, sending sprays of water flying and filling the streets with a festive and joyful atmosphere.

Long-Table Banquet Scene
Photo by Wu Changqian

The event ran from June 19 to 21. With dragon boat races as its centerpiece, it also featured intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, folk culture activities, and leisure tourism experiences. Together, these activities presented a multidimensional showcase of Shibing’s millennia-old dragon boat traditions and offered visitors an all-day, immersive Dragon Boat Festival experience.

Dragon Boat Race Scene
Photo by Lu Dan