For the first time ever, two teams from Hong Kong and Macao participated in the dragon boat race in Guangzhou's Tianhe district on July 2.

This year's race is the largest of its kind in Liede village's history, with a total of 38 dragon boat teams from Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao competing.

A dragon boat race is carried out in Liede village, Tianhe on July 2. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

After fierce competition, the Huangpu Changman Dragon Boat Team took the crown in the men's group, while the Guangzhou Knight Women's Dragon Boat Team won the women's category.

"This dragon boat race is not only a sports event, but it is also an opportunity for cultural exchange," said Li Chiying, president of Liede Economic Development Company, the host of the race.

The Macao-Guangzhou Tianhe Fellowship Association Dragon Boat Team has over 30 members taking part in the race. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

"Macao and Guangzhou boast a similar culture and language, and we hope to come to Guangzhou every year to participate in the dragon boat race," said Li Rongchang, coach of the Macao dragon boat team.

A total of 60 people from Hong Kong participate in the race. They sing the song, Dong Fang Zhi Zhu (Pearl of the Orient), at the dragon boat banquet after the competition. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]