By the banks of the Jinjiang River, as the morning mist lingers, ripples already glisten upon the water’s surface. At the first booming beat of the drum piercing the sky, 2025 Mayang Traditional Dragon Boat Race kicks off on the Jinjiang River.

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Eighteen dragon boats from Jinhe, Xiaoshi, and Wenchangge assemble on the river.  

Dragon boat teams from various villages converge at Jinhe Town. Rowers stand along the boats’ sides with their paddles cleaving through the river, while the steersman stands firm at the stern, wielding his long steering oar like a stabilizing anchor.

Over 1,300 participants are ready to paddle and ride the waves.

As the race begins, dragon boats shoot forward like arrows released from a bow. The rowers’ movements are synchronized as if they are one person, shouting in powerful unison. Positioned at the bow, the drummer strikes the drum not merely to keep rhythm, but to summon the spirit of generations of Miao people who have battled fierce currents and dangerous rapids. On the viewing stands, children cling to the railings, waving colorful ribbons, while elders lean against ancient banyan trees murmuring the old saying, “Better to lose a plot of land than lose a dragon boat race.”

The event kicks off with dragon boat teams paddling along the river to warm up.

At the Jinhe venue, the competitors confront an 800-meter upstream straight course. The rowers’ paddle frequency accelerates; the boats, like flying shuttles, slice through the spray. In the stands, some hold their breath watching intently, others stomp and shout fervently. Even the flowing waters of the Jinjiang River seem caught up in the fiery excitement, rushing more swiftly than ever.

(Translated by Yang Hong)