The 2026 Jinji Lake Dragon Boat Race kicked off at Moon Pier, SIP on June 20, with 85 teams comprising nearly 1,800 racers. The annual dragon boat event that began on Jinji Lake in 2010 has evolved into one of the most vibrant Dragon Boat Festival celebrations in China and a cultural showcase to the world.

The youth category saw remarkable growth, expanding from nine teams last year to 16 this year, with 320 youngsters participating in U12 and U17 groups.

International participants also increased, with five teams composed of expatriates from 13 countries and regions competing in this year’s event. Notably, the race has established a friendly relationship with the international dragon boat festival in Paris, France, following its increasingly enhanced ties with the dragon boat race on the Danube in Vienna, Austria.

Beyond racing, drone football, AR/VR devices and water sports equipment were shown on the banks. Three theme markets brought together nearly 200 vendors offering handicrafts, festive foods, and trendy products, while a number of popular digital platforms offered special promotions.

June 20, 2026