Dragon boats are boats with dragons painted on them or that are shaped like dragons. Dragon boat competitions are divided into several sections including raising the boat, moving the boat, racing, and putting away the boat. Dragon boat racing is a traditional water sport popular with the people, and is a team sport that creates a festive, holiday atmosphere. 

During the historic Spring and Autumn period, dragon boat racing was popular in the Wu, Yue, and Chu states, and later gained popularity all along China’s southern coastal region. After spreading abroad, the sport became popular in many countries, becoming an international competition. Dragon boat racing is not only a sport and enjoyable activity, but also embodies the long history of Chinese traditional culture and the collective spirit of the Chinese people. 

Dragon boat racing looks like a competition, but in reality it’s a pageant displaying China’s traditional culture. Many Dragon Boat Festivals held overseas rely on dragon boat races as a medium to reveal China’s culture to the local population in a comprehensive, multi-layered way, including dragon and lion dances, Shaolin kung fu, traditional Chinese dance, qipao dresses, traditional arts & crafts, and Chinese cuisine, gaining popularity and admiration from the crowds.