With their drums pounding, 34 dragon boat teams sliced through the water on June 21 during the 2025 Tianhe District Dragon Boat Invitational.

Set against Huolu Mountain Forest Park's green corridor, the event combined competition and culture, drawing crowds to the spectacle.

Dragon boat teams fight it out during a race. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

The competition's challenging round-trip sprint format – featuring explosive acceleration, abrupt stops, buoy-tapping, and rapid U-turns, while maintaining perfect synchronization – transformed the river into a dynamic arena.

Tension mounted as teams recovered from near-stumbles to stage dramatic comebacks, winning applause from the spectators.

Dragon boat teams display their prowess as they power through the river. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Categorized into local village teams, invitational squads, and corporate groups, 22-person crews navigated the 600-meter or double round-trip and the 300-meter or single round-trip courses.

Spectators were treated to a superb show of boating prowess that had them calling for more.  

French student Gless Marion Mareva, studying at the Guangdong University of Finance, was competing in a dragon boat race for the first time, marveled: "It's an amazing mix of sport and nature – Chinese dragon boating at its best!"

Dragon boat racers from around the world have a go during the competition.  [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Rooted in Tianhe's rich sporting legacy, the event contributed to its move to integrate sports with tourism – highlighting the local community spirit and the vibrant fitness culture.