Dragon boat teams power through the Xinzhou River during the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Dragon Boat Invitational in Shenzhen. The annual event brings together paddlers from across the Greater Bay Area and showcases one of China's most enduring traditional sports. Photos courtesy of event organizer
Rowing teams from Malaysia and Singapore are set to make their debut at the 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Dragon Boat Invitational, which will be held on the Xinzhou River in Futian on June 19, coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival.
Since its establishment in 2023 in Futian, the invitational has evolved into a signature urban cultural event in Shenzhen. It has grown from a local sports competition into a comprehensive festival that integrates athletic excellence, traditional heritage, high-tech interaction, international exchange and consumer experience.
Scheduled to be held at the Yangjihui section of the Xinzhou River this year, this year's edition will feature an expanded lineup of 24 teams competing across two categories: the Open Group and the "Happy Futian" Group.
Spectators line the banks of the Xinzhou River in Futian District during the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Dragon Boat Invitational.
The Open Group will feature elite dragon boat teams from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, alongside international contenders. The participation of teams from Malaysia and Singapore will add a distinctive global flair to this year's competition.
In the "Happy Futian" Group, teams representing government agencies, local enterprises, grassroots communities, and high-tech institutions will face off. A major highlight this year is the debut of the Hetao Shenzhen Park Dragon Boat Team. Composed of researchers and tech specialists from the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, these professionals have been training rigorously in their spare time, embodying the dragon boat spirit of unity and the pursuit of excellence.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping races, organizers have planned an all-day festival including morning competitions, afternoon cultural immersions, and evening excursions.
Performers in colorful traditional costumes take part in a cultural parade during the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Dragon Boat Invitational in Shenzhen.
The morning celebrations will feature a themed parade alongside the dragon boat races, where spectators can witness Asia-Pacific folk dances, international friendship choirs, Lingnan lion dances, and the energetic rhythms of Chaoshan Yingge performances—a true celebration of multicultural fusion.
On the riverbanks, a bustling marketplace with more than 100 stalls will offer intangible cultural heritage crafts, creative merchandise, local delicacies, and traditional folk games.
The event will also feature VR dragon boat racing, AI interactive experiences and robot interactions, blending modern technology with ancient customs. The popular robot, "Lightning," will also make an appearance and interact with visitors. As twilight descends, the Xinzhou River will transform into a scenic leisure hub, featuring water lantern blessings, dance performances, and folk music.
On June 19, the 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Dragon Boat Invitational is set to bring passion and excitement to the Xinzhou River.
Visitors browse stalls at a riverside marketplace during the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Dragon Boat Invitational in Futian District.
Furthermore, through a strategic partnership with major shopping centers including Link Central Walk, Shenzhen Book City, KK ONE, and Shixia Times Square, the event will introduce a "ticket stub economy." Shoppers at participating malls can exchange receipts for race tickets, while spectators holding race stubs can enjoy exclusive discounts at various dining, retail, and cultural venues.
Shuttle buses will run between the Futian Checkpoint, major business districts, and the race venue, creating a seamless one-day sightseeing and shopping route designed to convert event foot traffic into economic growth for the city.
