Dragon boat teams power down the Guanlan River during the 2026 Shenzhen Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race in Longhua on as spectators cheer from the riverbank. Chen Jianhua

The 2026 Shenzhen Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race got underway on Friday, transforming Longhua into a lively Dragon Boat Festival destination where visitors can enjoy far more than just racing on the water.

Running alongside the competition on June 5 and 6, a dragon boat carnival offers a mix of traditional culture, interactive sports, family activities and local shopping experiences, creating a festive atmosphere along the Guanlan River.

One of the biggest attractions is a trendy sports fair organized in collaboration with Bigchill Sports Community. Open to visitors of all ages and skill levels, the area features six popular sports activities, with professional coaches on hand to provide guidance and demonstrations. From first-time participants to families with children, visitors can try new sports in a relaxed setting without needing any prior experience.

Festivalgoers can also join a stamp-collecting challenge by picking up a dragon boat-themed activity map and exploring different market stalls and activity zones. Participants who complete the challenge can redeem special Dragon Boat Festival gifts.

Families are expected to flock to the pony interaction zone, where children can meet and take photos with miniature horses while experiencing introductory equestrian activities. The attraction will be open throughout the two-day event.

A giant Aoyu, a mythical fish-dragon creature symbolizing good fortune, soars above performers during a cultural parade in Longhua. The traditional spectacle is one of the highlights of this year's Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. File photo

Traditional culture also plays a prominent role in the carnival. On Friday, visitors can encounter the mythical Aoyu fish, a legendary creature associated with good fortune in Chinese folklore. The themed installation and cultural parade offer photo opportunities while showcasing elements of intangible cultural heritage linked to the Dragon Boat Festival.

Beyond the activities, the festival market brings together food vendors, cultural and creative products, technology exhibits and retail brands. Dragon boat-themed decorations and traditional holiday displays provide plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the blend of ancient customs and contemporary city life.

Festivalgoers can sample a variety of local flavors, from traditional desserts and seafood to popular neighborhood dining spots, during Longhua's Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. File photo

The celebration extends beyond the race venue. Throughout June, Longhua's six subdistricts will host related activities, while major commercial centers across the district will stage themed events and promotional campaigns.

Visitors can also take advantage of district-wide consumer incentives. Longhua has launched a new round of shopping and dining vouchers in partnership with online platforms, while spectators holding electronic race tickets can enjoy discounts at participating restaurants, entertainment venues, attractions, sports facilities and hotels across the district through June 30.

For many visitors, the dragon boat race may be the reason to come to Longhua. The carnival, however, offers plenty of reasons to stay longer and explore what the district has to offer.