Wuhu hosts 2026 Yangtze River Delta university dragon boat race

By Wang Shining and Wang Mu | wuhunews.cn

The 2026 Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament for Yangtze River Delta universities kicked off at Jinghu Lake in Wuhu on June 12. The event, part of the Wuhu Sports Carnival, brought together teams from across the region for a blend of tradition and modern sport. The event also served as the 2nd Wuhu University Dragon Boat Race and City Open Championship.

The competition began with the traditional eye-dotting ceremony, an auspicious ritual marking the start of the races. Spectators packed waterfront viewing areas and watched live broadcasts on large screens. As the starting whistle blew, boats sped across the lake, paddlers moving in perfect unison to the drumbeat. Teams raced neck and neck while cheers from the shore pushed the atmosphere to a climax.

"The sight of multiple dragon boats sprinting neck and neck was absolutely breathtaking!" said Wang Xin, a local resident who watched with his family. "We can see top-level competition from across the Yangtze River Delta right at our doorstep."

The tournament featured three categories — Wuhu university, city open and Yangtze River Delta university — with 27 teams competing in 200-meter sprints. Four standard lanes were set up for the multi-round competition. Local university and open division teams raced in 22-seat boats, while Yangtze River Delta university teams used 12-seat boats. The event's popularity was boosted by a Dragon Boat Paddling Challenge on Douyin before the races.

What is competed for is speed, but what is conveyed is friendship. "The on-site atmosphere was extremely exciting, and the hospitality of the people from Wuhu left a lasting impression on us," said Luo Rumeng from Soochow University. Chen Bingquan of Hefei University of Technology said the cheers from spectators boosted team morale. "Dragon boat racing builds fitness and team spirit, allowing young people to feel the pulse of traditional culture," he said.

"This is not just a grand event for inheriting folk traditions and promoting fitness, but also a vital platform for Wuhu to deepen cultural, tourism and sports collaboration within the Yangtze River Delta," said Ding Kai, deputy director of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Bureau in Jinghu District. "Jinghu District will continue to build distinctive event IPs and promote the deep integration of sports plus culture and tourism, revitalizing traditional activities with contemporary vitality."

After a full day of fierce competition, the final rankings were announced. Trophies and cash prizes went to the winning teams, with all participating teams receiving certificates.