Traditional dragon boat race in Hunan highlights local flair

A traditional dragon boat race kicked off on Tuesday in Mayang Miao autonomous county of Huaihua, Hunan province, attracting teams from across the nation to compete on the Jinjiang River.

Distinct from the standard dragon boats used in national competitions, known for their lightweight, narrow build and uniform specifications, the boats from Mayang span approximately 40 meters, are crafted from fir wood, and accommodate 60 individuals, including paddlers, drummers, gong strikers, and steersmen.

The race format is straightforward: two boats compete at a time, racing 800 meters upstream against the strongest currents. Each pair switches lanes and races again, with the winner determined by the total time. Paddling styles vary: some participants kneel, others sit, and some stand.

The event brought together 24 teams and over 1,800 athletes, including 12 local teams and 12 from regions such as Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces, and Hong Kong.

Mayang boasts a robust tradition of dragon boat racing. According to local authorities, the county has hosted more than 370 traditional dragon boat races since 1988 and has sent over 2,000 athletes to national, provincial, and municipal teams.