Nanning gears up for spectacular Dragon Boat Festival

Nanning's much-anticipated annual Dragon Boat Festival returns with greater diversity, excitement, and accessibility. On May 31, the 2025 Nanning Dragon Boat Open will take place near Changyou Pavilion and Yongjiang Bridge, featuring 42 teams and nearly 1,000 athletes from across China and abroad.

Recognized as part of the nationwide "Golden Dragon Soars" series by the China Dragon Boat Association, the event includes two main categories: Open Group (22-person and 12-person boats) and Campus U18 Group (12-person boats), racing over 200-meter and 300-meter sprints.

International students from Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia will take part, highlighting the event's global appeal. Prizes total 267,000 yuan ($37,150), with top teams receiving up to 25,000 yuan, alongside traditional festival rewards like roast pig and zongzi.

Beyond the race, "Dragon Boat +" activities such as folk parades, lion dances, and cultural markets will enrich the experience. Enhanced spectator zones along the river feature sunshade, restrooms, and real-time broadcasts to ensure an immersive and festive celebration of tradition and sport.