Dong, dong, dong! The rhythmic beat of drums echoed across the lake as dragon boats cut through the water. With synchronized chants, the energy of the race brought the lake to life.
On October 2, 2024, the final of Foshan's first F3 Dragon Boat Super League took place at Guipan Lake in Shunfeng Mountain Park, Shunde District. Twenty-four top dragon boat teams from Foshan competed, including several champions from national and international competitions.
The F3 Dragon Boat Super League Finals featured three categories: Men's 22-man Dragon Boat, Men's 12-man Dragon Boat, and Women's 12-man Dragon Boat. The intense paddling of the competitors showcased thrilling "Speed and Power" on the water. After the race, the Nanhai-Shunde Dragon Boat Relay Exhibition allowed spectators to experience the excitement of dragon boat racing up close.
After intense competition, the Jiujiang Shuangzheng Men's Dragon Boat Team secured victory in the Men's 12-man 200-meter sprint. The Shunde Lecong Louvre Dragon Boat Team dominated the men's events, winning three titles: the 12-man 500-meter sprint, the 22-man 200-meter sprint, and the 22-man 500-meter sprint. The Nanhai Jiujiang Shuangzheng Dragon Boat Team claimed the championship in the Men's 22-man 400-meter relay race. In the women's division, the Zhouliufu Jewelry Women's Dragon Boat Team won the 12-man 200-meter sprint, while the Jiujiang Shuangzheng Women's Dragon Boat Team took the title in the 12-man 500-meter sprint.
Foshan is recognized as China's first "City of Dragon Boat and Lion Dance Sports,"while Shunde is famed as the "Hometown of Dragon Boats." Dragon boat racing has a rich history here, with a cultural tradition that has thrived for centuries. Foshan residents have long held a passion for racing, watching, and celebrating dragon boats, with a 600-year legacy still alive today.
Foshan hosts over 1,000 dragon boat events annually. Dragon boat racing is not only a cherished local tradition but also a key element of Foshan's "Top Ten Traditional Cultures."
This year's F3 Dragon Boat Super League aims to create a prominent national platform for dragon boat events and cultural branding. The competition integrates various dragon boat events across Foshan and selects top teams through a "Five-District Substation + Corporate Group" format, lasting nearly a month.
"The F3 Dragon Boat Super League offers a fresh model of Foshan's dragon boat culture. It embodies the resilience, unity, and competitive spirit of the people of Foshan," said Wen Xi, Deputy Mayor of Foshan.
The event drew large crowds throughout the day, including Paris Olympic champion Chen Qingchen, who attended to show her support. Among the international attendees was Darko from Serbia, who brought his son to watch. "I love the Dragon Boat Festival and the excitement of the races," said Darko, who hopes to join the competition in the future.
Alongside the dragon boat races, the F3 Finals also featured a range of cultural and tourism activities in Shunde, offering locals and visitors a one-stop experience of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.