Nansha hosts thrilling dragon boat showdown with 50 teams competing

The 2026 Heniantang Cup Nansha Dragon Boat Invitational kicked off on the Jiaomen River in Guangzhou's Nansha district on June 13. The event brought together 50 teams and over 1,000 athletes, who paddled through splashing waves, and attracted more than 1 million spectators both on-site and online.

As a signature event of Guangzhou's annual sports consumption season, the tournament features 400-meter straight races for 12-crew and 22-crew dragon boats across five competitive groups. A traditional eye-dotting ceremony and lion dance performance marked the opening. Winning teams took home trophies, commemorative dragon boat flags and classic Cantonese celebratory treats such as roasted suckling pig and rice wine.

Paddlers battle for victory. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

A sports fair held alongside the competition offers trendy cultural merchandise, authentic local delicacies and targeted business promotions, taking full advantage of the influx of visitors.

Visitors explore booths at the Nansha Dragon Boat Invitational.  [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Nansha is home to a centuries-old dragon boat tradition, with local teams claiming multiple international race titles in recent years. The event underscores the district's commitment to building a dynamic "sports city", preserving its cultural heritage, and advancing the integrated development of culture, tourism, and sports.