Longtianheng Shuiteng Dragon Boat Team from Shunde, Foshan, powers toward the finish line during the Open Group final at the 2025 Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race in Longhua on May 26, 2025. Photos by Chen Jianhua and Cai Weize

The annual Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race will return to Longhua on June 5 and 6, bringing together elite paddlers, community teams, cultural performances and festive activities for one of the district's signature sporting and cultural events.

The 2026 Shenzhen Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race will feature 45 teams competing across three categories — Open, Community, and Government and Enterprise — making this year's edition one of the largest in the event's history.

Dragon boat teams compete on the Guanlan River during the 2025 Shenzhen Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race in Longhua on May 25, 2025.

The Open Group, regarded as the competition's premier division, will see 12 top teams take to the water, including international crews from Europe and Asia as well as elite teams from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other regions of China.

Local participation remains at the heart of the event. The Community Group will bring together village residents, neighborhood representatives and frontline community workers, while the Government and Enterprise Group will feature teams composed of teachers, firefighters, corporate employees and professionals from various sectors.

One of the highlights this year is the debut appearance of dragon boat teams from three leading universities: the Shenzhen campuses of Tsinghua University, Peking University and Harbin Institute of Technology, adding a youthful dimension to the centuries-old tradition.

Visitors browse booths at the Dragon Boat Market during the 2025 Shenzhen Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race in Longhua.

Beyond the races, spectators can enjoy a packed program of cultural performances celebrating Dragon Boat Festival traditions and contemporary creativity.

Traditional lion and dragon dances, kylin dances and large-scale group performances will take place throughout the event. Audiences can also expect robot demonstrations inspired by performances seen at China's Spring Festival Gala, featuring tai chi and martial arts routines, as well as the Ao Fish installation, a mythical creature inspired by Chinese folklore that was showcased during the 15th National Games last year. Singers from the Oriental Song and Dance Ensemble will also perform.

The festivities will extend beyond the riverside venue. Guanhu Century Plaza will be transformed into a Dragon Boat Market featuring 60 booths offering food, sports and tourism experiences. Popular restaurant brands recognized by Dianping's "Must-Eat List" will also participate.

Visitors watch the "Journey of Heritage" light show featuring a dragon boat racing-themed chapter at Guanlan Ancient Market in Longhua.

A series of Dragon Boat Festival-themed activities will be held across Longhua during the weekend. Visitors can explore programs at Guanlan Ancient Market, the Jinli Lotus Leaf Banyan Food City and Luhu Art Center, creating a district-wide celebration that combines sport, culture, leisure and local cuisine.

With dragon boats racing down the Guanlan River and festivities spreading across the district, the event is expected to offer residents and visitors a vibrant glimpse into Longhua's blend of tradition, community spirit and urban energy.