On June 1st, the 2025 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament kicked off along the Pearl River. The event attracted not only numerous local athletes and dragon boat teams but also a great number of international participants and spectators. Fully immersed in the races, they experienced the rich atmosphere of dragon boat culture in Guangzhou and took the opportunity to explore the city's landmarks and cuisine beyond the competition.

Foreign residents living in Guangzhou enthusiastically took part in the races, forming the "Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Team" to represent the city. "Guangzhou is our city, and it's our duty to race here," said David Butler, a British athlete who has lived in Guangzhou for nearly 20 years.

Akimov Valerii, a Russian businessman and photographer who has lived and worked in Guangzhou for 11 years, said, "Winning or losing doesn't matter, just taking part and getting exercise is already great!"

At the race site, the reporter spotted Alban Loriot from France watching the races with his Chinese wife and their children. "My wife brought me here," Loriot said. He added that the couple hoped their children would gain more exposure to Chinese culture, so they brought them to the races to soak in the atmosphere.

When asked about sightseeing after the race, Russian competitor Akimov recommended Guangzhou's aging neighborhoods, and also suggested a visit to Zhujiang New Town. "Pearl River Park not only offers great views, but you can even pet cats there," he said. David Butler recommended Haizhu National Wetland Park, not only a rare example of an urban wetland in the world, but also the training ground for the Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Team. After a day of exploring, many of them encouraged visitors to try Cantonese cuisine and dim sum while in the city.

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

国际友人赛龙观龙水上岸上共说“广州好”

6月1日，2025年广州国际龙舟邀请赛在广州珠江河段开赛。比赛不仅吸引众多本地运动员及龙舟队伍等“本地龙”参与，更吸引不少国际友人参赛和观赛。他们在比赛中全情投入，充分感受着广州浓郁的龙舟文化氛围，也在比赛之外“打卡”广州的景点美食。

在广州居住生活的外国友人积极参与龙舟运动，他们组建出“广州国际龙舟队”代表广州参赛。“广州是我们的城市，参与广州赛是我们的责任。”已经在广州居住生活接近20年的英国籍选手David Butler表示。

在广州生活工作11年的俄罗斯商人兼摄影师明安（Akimov Valerii）说：“输赢不重要，参加比赛锻炼身体就很好！”

比赛现场，记者看到法国人Alban Loriot与中国妻子及孩子一起观赛。“是太太把我带到现场的。”Loriot表示，他和太太希望孩子们能够多接触中国文化，于是便带着孩子来到比赛现场感受气氛。

关于赛后游玩广州，俄罗斯选手明安在推荐广州老城区的同时，也建议大家去珠江新城看一看，“珠江公园，不仅有美景，还能‘撸’猫。”David Butler则推荐了海珠国家湿地公园，那里不仅是世界上罕见的城市中央湿地，更是广州国际龙舟队训练的地方。在“逛逛逛”之余，他们纷纷建议大家来体验一下广州的粤菜和早茶。

文｜记者 梁怿韬 孙牧 江皓轩
图｜记者 钟振彬 刘畅 蔡嘉鸿
译 | 曾敏
英文审校 | 林佳岱