File photo: Dragon boat race on Tangping Lake in 2025. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Two major dragon boat events will splash down on the waters in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, this month, celebrating the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on June 19 this year.
2026 Grand Canal Cultural Belt City Dragon Boat Invitational
Date: June 14
Location: Tangping Lake, Yuqi subdistrict, Huishan district, where the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal enters Wuxi
Schedule:
8 am-8:50 am: Check-in
9 am-9:30 am: Opening ceremony
9:30 am-11:30 am: Preliminary heats
12 pm-1:30 pm: Midday break and semifinal grouping
1:30 pm-3:30 pm: Semifinals & finals
3:30 pm-4 pm: Award ceremony
The event, inspired by canal culture, combines traditional dragon boat racing with the water sports industry. Spectators can enjoy daytime races and camp overnight at the nearby Tangping Quye Camping Base. The race also connects with the historic Lishe ancient village, creating new tourist routes through the water towns.
Jiangsu Dragon Boat Open
Date: June 14
Location: Dongjiu Lake, just north of the Yixing Poly Grand Theatre
Categories:
Open group — 12 elite provincial teams competing for top honors
Public group — eight local crews battling for community pride
Schedule:
8:30 am: Opening ceremony
9 am: 200m straight-track races for open and public groups
2:30 pm: 500m straight-track races for open and public groups
5 pm: Award ceremony
The event is free and open to the public. With wide, clear views across the lake, spectators can soak up the thrill of dragon boat racing while enjoying Yixing's scenic waterfront view. Along the shore, a special market will offer a bustling selection of local snacks, intangible cultural heritage crafts, and original creative goods.
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