The Dragon Boat Race in Shijie Town was held on June 23rd, 2024, on the beautiful Shijie section of the southern branch of the Dongjiang River.

Early in the morning, the banks of the river were crowded with residents eager to watch the event. The air was filled with the sound of gongs and drums, and the waving of flags, creating a lively atmosphere that highlighted the unique Lingnan culture and deep-rooted dragon boat traditions.

It is reported that 15 village (community) teams participated in the 1300-meter straight-line men's traditional dragon boat race, with each team consisting of up to 60 members. Around 11:00 AM, the whistle signaled the start of the preliminary heats, with the 15 teams divided into three groups. The river resounded with the rhythmic beating of drums and synchronized paddling. The dragon boats shot forward like arrows, competing fiercely as they raced across the water, creating a thrilling spectacle of splashing paddles and breaking waves.

On the riverbanks, the excitement was palpable as spectators cheered passionately for the teams. Among the crowd were many families with children, who came to enjoy the event. "The race is intense, exciting, and truly a sight to behold!" exclaimed many residents, who could hardly contain their excitement as they watched the dragon boat race again after 14 years. The enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, combined with the sounds of drums and paddles, created a powerful and inspiring symphony.

In the final stage, following the referee's signal, six dragon boat teams surged forward, paddling vigorously. As the teams entered the sprint phase, the drumbeats quickened, and the paddling frequency increased. Amidst the deafening sound of drums and unified chants, the dragon boat team from Liuwu Village crossed the finish line first, clinching the championship of this year's dragon boat race.

The spirit of the dragon boat race has been passed down through generations. Over the past forty years, Shijie Town in Dongguan has organized numerous dragon boat races. The culture of dragon boating has endured for thousands of years, carrying forward a legacy of teamwork, perseverance, and a pursuit of a better life. Dragon boat race is not just a competitive sport; it is a cultural heritage and a spiritual tradition that embodies the aspiration for a fulfilling and harmonious life.

Source：Yangcheng Evening News

视频｜东莞石碣：15支龙舟队精彩演绎“速度与激情”

6月23日，2024年石碣镇龙舟大赛在美丽的东江南支流石碣段举行。

当日上午，东江南支流石碣段的堤岸上早早就挤满了前来观赛的市民群众，江面锣鼓喧天、旌旗摇动、热闹非凡，展现了独有的岭南特色和深厚的龙舟文化底蕴。

据了解，本次共有15个村（社区）组队参加1300米直道竞速男子传统龙舟比赛，每支传统龙舟参赛队员多达60人。11时许，比赛哨声响起，15支龙舟队伍分成3组展开预赛竞技。江面上鼓声震天，船桨齐动，一条条龙舟如离弦之箭，在水面上疾驰而过，破浪争锋，桨影翻飞，展开了一场激烈较量。

江面上比赛激烈，岸边高声呐喊，热情不减。岸边早早地站满了人群，其中还有很多带着孩子前来观赛的市民。“比赛很紧张、很刺激、很有看头！”时隔14年再看石碣的龙舟大赛，不少群众难掩激动的心情。驻足岸边的市民群众纷纷为参赛队伍呐喊助威，加油声与鼓声桨声交织在一起，奏出一首激昂的乐曲。

决赛阶段，随着裁判员一声令下，6支龙舟队齐头并进，奋楫争先，手起桨落之间激起层层浪花翻腾。进入冲刺阶段，鼓点加密，桨频加快。在震天锣鼓声与整齐的口号声中，刘屋村龙舟队率先冲向终点，夺得本次龙舟大赛冠军。

龙舟精神代代传，过去四十年间，东莞石碣镇组织了多次龙舟赛。龙舟文化绵延千载，龙舟情怀代代传承。龙舟竞渡，不仅是一种竞技性体育运动项目，更是文化的传递、精神的传承，也体现了对美好生活的向往和追求。

文 | 叶何湘
图 | 林振烽 郭雅诗
视频｜ 林振烽 郭雅诗 温泽广
翻译｜史洋溢