The 2026 Tianhe Dragon Boat Invitational kicked off on June 27 at the Xintang Reservoir in Tianhe.

Taking advantage of Tianhe's advanced tech industry, comprehensive urban amenities and strong innovative talent, the event used dragon boat racing to connect diverse sectors such as culture, commerce, tourism, sports and health, creating a unique event combining competition, leisure, culture and consumption.

The competition features a 600-meter straight-line race with four lanes and simultaneous starts for four teams. Industry giants like NetEase and XPeng, both based in Tianhe, participated in the race for the first time.

As a leader in the internet sector, NetEase is pioneering digital cultural and sports innovation, empowering traditional events with cutting-edge technology. XPeng brings its expertise in intelligent automotive technology to the dragon boat arena, embodying a spirit of rigorous research and innovation.

The participation of leading tech companies has significantly enhanced the event's professionalism and technological appeal, inspiring numerous small and medium-sized enterprises to sign up.

With 42 teams, including ones from Canada, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as university students, local residents, and tech companies, the event boasts a diverse, cross-regional lineup, highlighting the integration of tradition and modern technology.

The 2026 Tianhe Dragon Boat Invitational. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]