Sporting traditions

Dragon boat racing

Boasting deep roots in the ancient folk rituals of Chinese villagers, dragon-headed wooden boats have been part of religious ceremonies and folk customs during Duanwu Festival in early June for over 2,000 years throughout southern China. From its beginnings in Hong Kong in 1976, dragon boat racing has emerged in modern times as an international sport, and teams from many different countries now compete. Li Zhong / For China Daily