Millennium-old dragon boat racing tradition celebrated in SE China's Fujian

Contestants participate in a dragon boat race in Huadi village, Putian, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/Cai Hao)

An opening ceremony for a traditional dragon boat race was recently held in Huadi village, Putian, southeast China's Fujian Province. At the event, the vibrant sounds of gongs and drums filled the air as hundreds of boats raced on the water.

Putian's dragon boating tradition, which originated in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is still observed by people today.

Huadi village, known as the "hometown of the dragon boat," attracts scores of spectators from neighboring regions who come to enjoy the annual dragon boat race.

The dragon boat race, involving multiple counties and districts across Putian, sees the participation of over 3,000 contestants from more than 100 teams. This exciting event will continue until the beginning of July.