FILE PHOTO: “The Yongzheng Emperor’s Amusements of the Twelve Months: Dragon Boat Festival” by Giuseppe Castiglione

Dragon boat racing is generally believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Its inception is often linked to the legend of Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE), a patriotic poet and statesman hailing from the ancient state of Chu. According to the legend, Qu Yuan, despondent over the corruption within his government and the fall of his state, drowned himself in the Miluo River in present-day Hunan Province. Local fishermen, who held deep admiration for him, raced out in their boats to rescue him or retrieve his body, vigorously beating drums and splashing their paddles to keep fish away. This act of remembrance is commemorated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, known as the Duanwu or Dragon Boat Festival.

‘Origins in diversity’

Since the Sui Dynasty, alternative theories about the origins of dragon boat racing have been voiced. Some believe that dragon boat racing originated from the dragon worship practices of the ancient Yue people [various ethnic groups who inhabited the regions of south China during the 1st millennium BCE and 1st millennium CE], evolving from their annual sacrificial rituals.

Across China’s vast territories, its people live amidst diverse landscapes. In various regions, dragon boat racing is deeply woven into the fabric of local culture. Historically, dragon boat racing began as a way to commemorate Wu Zixu [a prominent historical figure from the Spring and Autumn period], while the state of Yue associated this activity with King Goujian. In Zigui [Qu Yuan’s birthplace] and Jingzhou [Qu Yuan spent most of his life in Jingzhou] in Hubei, dragon boat racing is deeply rooted in the commemoration of Qu Yuan. In Guangdong, Fujian, and Taiwan, the race is believed to stem from ancient dragon worship and wishes for health and well-being.

In addition to the Han ethnic group, many other ethnic groups in south China, such as the Miao, Dong, Bai, and Tujia ethnic groups, also observe the traditional custom of dragon boat racing. Dragon boat races of the Dai ethnic group, for instance, are held on the first day of the Water Splashing Festival to commemorate Yan Hongwo, a legendary hero who overthrew a tyrant for the people. Since the elephant serves as the totem of the Dai ethnic group, the dragon head at the bow of their boats resembles both a dragon and an elephant, complete with long tusks. The stern of their boat is designed to look like the tail of a fish and a bracken fern, a vegetable favored by the Dai.

The Chinese nation, comprising multiple ethnic groups, has formed a profound sense of national identity over its long history. Several major integrations of multiple ethnic groups over time have contributed to the widespread popularity of dragon boat racing across the country.

‘Paddles in history’

The earliest documented dragon boat race can be traced back to the mid-Warring States period (475–221 BCE). A Warring States period bronze axe with patterns of a racing boat and paddlers with feathered headwear, unearthed at Ningbo, Zhejiang, in 1976, is the earliest known artifact decorated with “racing patterns” in China. This artifact not only attests to the existence of dragon boat racing over 2,000 years ago but also suggests it may be one of the oldest paddle sports in the world.

Historical records indicate that over 2,500 years ago, the state of Chu had already established the custom of dragon boat racing. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), dragon boat races were formally classified as a type of competition and were even utilized for military training purposes. The race rules at that time were relatively simple, typically involving two dragon boats competing to paddle the fastest. It is recorded that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang hosted several dragon boat races.

The Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties were significant periods for the development of dragon boat competitions. After the Song era, dragon boat racing gradually became an important part of folk celebrations. For instance, Northern Song politician Wen Yanbo personally organized large-scale dragon boat races while serving in Henan, attracting thousands of participants. Additionally, the Song Dynasty saw the emergence of other festive activities like “Swing on Water” [a diving performance in which a performer climbs onto a swing fixed on a boat, swings high, and dives into the water], transforming the originally ritual-based “dragon boat play” into an increasingly popular folk sport.

The Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties marked a peak period for dragon boat competitions. With the social prosperity of the nation, dragon boat racing activities further developed and spread nationwide. In the lower reaches of the Yangtze River during the Ming Dynasty, cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou held large-scale dragon boat events annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, where hundreds of dragon boats decorated with colorful silk ribbons competed on Lake Tai. Even in Beijing, located in northern China, dragon boat races were held every Dragon Boat Festival spanning the reigns of Emperor Shunzhi to Emperor Jiaqing. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the festive celebrations held at the Yuanmingyuan Garden were particularly grand, with dragon boat races reaching an unprecedented scale. It is recorded that the race in the eighteenth year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign involved nine giant dragon boats, with water bird patterns painted on their bows, symbolizing “Nine Dragons Soaring Together.” The lake was divided into racing lanes with colored ropes, while flutes and drums resonated in unison from dragon boats. Banners and flags fluttered as the boats raced along their respective lanes. When approaching the throne of Emperor Qianlong, the dragon boats halted, and everyone on board faced the emperor, bowing in respect. After paying their respects, the race continued.

Competition rules

Today, dragon boat racing, as a popular folk sport epitomizing traditional Chinese culture, enjoys global popularity. Since 1976, China has held annual dragon boat races, inviting participants from around the world.

The competition rules for dragon boat racing vary depending on the event and location, but some basic rules are universally applied. Dragon boat races typically consist of several stages, with each stage’s distance, format, and time arranged according to the competition level and category. The boats are long and narrow, decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail, and are powered by teams of 10 to 50 paddlers. A large drum onboard helps the crew keep pace as they paddle.