The 2026 Longgang Dragon Boat Invitational kicked off on June 13 with fervor at the Longyuan demonstration section of Longgang River in Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province. Amid the rain, over 300 athletes from 16 teams from across the globe competed fiercely.

The 2026 Longgang Dragon Boat Invitational kicked off on June 13 with fervor at the Longyuan demonstration section of Longgang River in Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province.

The event, a blend of tradition, technology, cultural heritage and commercial activities, highlighted the vibrant urban development of Shenzhen's eastern center.

The competition attracted seasoned teams from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and international teams from Singapore, Malaysia, and Russia, turning Longgang River into a distinctive window for cultural exchange during the Dragon Boat Festival. After several intense rounds, Zhuhai Tianma Dragon Boat Team claimed the championship.

Zhuhai Tianma Dragon Boat Team claimed the championship.

Longyuan Park hosted a unique Dragon Boat Festival market featuring traditional crafts like sugar painting, dough modeling, and tie-dyeing. Activities such as zongzi making and sachet crafting drew large crowds, while Hanfu-clad visitors added a fashionable flair.

Technology enhanced the event experience with a new AI-powered smart tour app offering live streaming, intelligent guides, AI consultations, navigation, and shopping perks. This digital approach allowed broader participation and cultural engagement.

The dragon boat race is in progress with fervor.

The event effectively boosted local commerce by linking with major shopping hubs and providing dedicated shuttle services, transforming cultural and sports event into a driver of economic growth and invigorating the city's commercial landscape.