Foreigners join in Chinese dragon boat racing

World Today

Dragon Boat racing is a tradition that started more than a thousand years ago to commemorate Qu Yuan, an ancient poet who sacrificed for his country . In the eastern city of Hangzhou, some keen foreigners joined in the fun. Read:What is the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival?
CCTV’s Ying yiyuan filed the report from Hangzhou.

Highlight:

  • Warming up for the big test, these international competitors are from 27 countries, and they are joining the locals in this race.
  • Each 18-metre-long boat has ten paddlers; a drummer man at the front to help them keep their rhythm; and a helmsman at the tail to steer.
  • The leaders sprint towards the finish line, after completing the 12-hundred metre race in about 10 minutes, but just completing the course can be an achievement in itself.