City's only offshore dragon boat race returns

The 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Offshore Dragon Boat Race will be held June 18-19 at Moon Bay in Nan’ao, Dapeng New Area, bringing together 30 teams from across the Asia-Pacific region for two days of competition and cultural celebrations.

A view of 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Offshore Dragon Boat Race. Liu Xudong

As Shenzhen’s only offshore dragon boat race, the event traces its origins to a century-old fishing tradition, in which local fishermen raced wooden boats during the Dragon Boat Festival to pray for safety and prosperity. Since its launch as an invitational race in 1998, the event has grown into one of the region’s signature Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. This year marks its largest edition yet.

Twelve teams will compete Thursday, followed by 18 teams from Shenzhen districts, dragon boat associations, and corporate organizations Friday, this year’s Dragon Boat Festival.

Beyond the races, organizers will stage a Dragon Boat Carnival featuring cultural performances, intangible cultural heritage displays, marine technology exhibitions, food markets and interactive activities. Highlights include traditional fisherfolk wedding reenactments, grass dragon parades, international cultural performances, and water sports demonstrations.

Visitors will also be able to explore a marine technology showcase featuring smart vessels, ocean exploration technologies and ecological protection innovations.

A dragon boat-themed market will offer local specialties and intangible cultural heritage products, including Nan’ao sea urchin rice dumplings and other seafood-inspired dishes, providing visitors with a taste of the region’s distinctive coastal culture.