At 10 a.m. on September 29, accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums, the Tongzhou District Tonglai Sports Series "2023 Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Fun Dragon Boat Race" kicked off happily at the Caoyun Wharf in the South District of the Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Scenic Area in Beijing.
"A little eye, the wind and rain are smooth, Guotai Minan; Two o'clock heavenly court, auspicious stars shining, good luck......... Under the atmosphere of dragon and lion dance, 8 teams from Tongzhou District, Xicheng District, Chaoyang District and other districts, more than 100 dragon boat runners participated in the 200-meter race. The Beijing Youth Daily reporter learned that the eight participating teams include professional dragon boat teams, all-women's teams, and youth teams composed of 13- and 14-year-old students. They vibrated the canal to the sound of drums and cheers, riding the wind and waves, and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in a joyful atmosphere.
It is reported that this year's fun dragon boat race marks the official linkage of dragon boat sports with the canal. The event aims to build a high-level event brand in Beijing's sub-center, accelerate the development of "canal + sports" tourism projects, fully tap and make good use of canal cultural resources, promote the protection, inheritance and utilization of canal culture and strengthen international exchanges of canal culture by holding a series of canal culture, literature and art, and sports activities.
Luan Xiaotian, general manager of Beijing Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd., introduced: "The Dragon Boat Canal, using competition as the medium, promoting trade with competition, the event aims to build a high-level event brand in the sub-center of Beijing, accelerate the all-round integration of "canal + sports", fully tap and make good use of canal cultural resources, and strengthen international exchanges of canal culture. This small event aims to provide a joyful traditional festive atmosphere for visitors to the scenic spot, and at the same time create momentum for the promotion of dragon boat sports next year. ”
Luan Xiaotian also introduced that the Fun Dragon Boat Race is an activity launched during the Golden Week that combines the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, and is the starting point of the entire series of cultural and leisure activities in the Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Scenic Area during the holiday. During the holidays, the Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Scenic Area will also launch fun garden parties, canal cultural parties, the first Grand Canal Music Festival and other activities to enrich citizens' lives.
Text/Beijing Youth Daily reporter Wu Wenjuan
Photo by Beijing Youth Daily reporter Hei Jianjun
Editor/Tan Weiping