The third Zhangjiagang Dragon Boat Race raised its curtain on June 6 in Zhangjiagang, East China's Jiangsu province.

A total of 150 locals from 12 teams raced across a 200-meter route on Fenghuang Lake.

In the end, representatives from Leyu, Jinfeng, and Changyinsha town won the first three places after fierce competition.

China's Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu, which fell on June 7 this year, was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. It is one of the oldest festivals in China, with a history of more than 2,000 years.

It is a tradition in Zhangjiagang to host a dragon boat race in celebration of the festival every year. Competing teams row their colorful dragon boats to the rhythm of the beating drums. Dragon boats not only imply good weather for the crops but are also a symbol of hard work.

The third Zhangjiagang Dragon Boat Race kicks off on June 6 in Zhangjiagang, East China's Jiangsu province to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo/zjgonline.com]

A team crosses the finish line and celebrates with lifting their paddles. [Photo/zjgonline.com]

Crews paddle through the waves on Fenghuang Lake. [Photo/zjgonline.com]

Boats feature dragon-shaped bows. [Photo/zjgonline.com]