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Dragon boat races make huge splash along Suzhou Creek
By Li Anlan |
June 15, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THOUSANDS of people thronged the banks of Suzhou Creek in Putuo District to watch fierce competition among 54 teams from China and overseas in the annual dragon boat races early this week.
The Suzhou Creek race is the biggest in Shanghai and considered one of the most important in China.
This year, 1,100 people from 68 teams competed for a spot in May.
At the main event, 1,116 people took part in three races - the Shanghai branch of a national race, the Shanghai city race and the Shanghai-New Taipei City dragon boat exchange program, according to the Putuo Sports Bureau, the races' organizer.
Dragon boat racing is the highlight of the Duan Wu Festival, or "Double Fifth" Festival that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This year it fell on June 12.
For many Shanghainese, it is a tradition to watch the races along Suzhou Creek in Putuo District since the first race 12 years ago. Bright decorations, spectacular dragon boats, shouting and drumming, cheers of the crowd, peddlers and traditional zongzi treats make the traditional Chinese festival memorable.
Teams from China and other countries competed on a section of creek near the Brilliant City community in the Suzhou Creek International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. The overseas participants came from Hungary, Russia, Kenya and Germany.
At the finale on June 10, Taihuwan from Wujin, Jiangsu Province won the first place at both the 200-meter and 500-meter events of the Shanghai branch of the China Dragon Boat Open Tournament.
In the city dragon boat race, PC SHTOORM won the first place of the 200-meter event.
Twelve teams from Shanghai and New Taipei City also held a friendship race during the Shanghai-Taiwan exchange program. Momentum from New Taipei City won the first place in the 500-meter event.
The exchange event features not only the tournament but also various events and forums. Six noted scholars from China and the mainland discussed the culture of dragon boat racing and modern, environmentally friendly living. The theme was man living in harmony with nature, as well as coordinated development between the mainland and Taiwan.
Since the Putuo District government launched the first Suzhou Creek dragon boat race in 2001, the event has become a must-see for many Shanghai people during the festival, according to Yan Jinfa, chief judge at the races. He has been the chief judge for the Suzhou Creek dragon boat races since the very first time it was held 12 years ago.
"After stating as a small-scale race, it has become one of the major international dragon boat tournaments in the world," Yan observed.
"The race is now a brand that combines sports, landscape and cultural exchange," he said.
For the first time this year, the Shanghai branch of the China Dragon Boat Open Tournament was held.
And the city dragon boat race is not only for professionals: anyone can participate. The participants this year come from all walks of life, including professionals, office workers, teachers, students, workers and many others, Yan said. Participation builds a strong sense of community.
Creative art was incorporated to bring back memories of Suzhou Creek and promote the culture of dragon boat racing and eco-friendly modern living.
In addition, the races showcased the district's latest development and achievements in western part of Shanghai, according to the organizing committee.
Citing the district's "one river five zone" plan as an example, committee officials said the race attracted people from outside the district to learn about Putuo's economic development ambitions and progress.
The plan covers the district's key economic areas: the area along Suzhou Creek, Changfeng Business Zone, Zhenru Sub-district Business District, Middle Ring Business and Trade Zone, Taopu Town and Changshou Road Commerce and Business Zone.
"As a name card for Putuo, the dragon boat race is rooted in traditional cultural heritage. It combines with modern themes in urban development, shows the fast development of Shanghai, and encourages more people to join this sport and spread the culture of dragon boats," the judge Jin said.
The Suzhou Creek race is the biggest in Shanghai and considered one of the most important in China.
This year, 1,100 people from 68 teams competed for a spot in May.
At the main event, 1,116 people took part in three races - the Shanghai branch of a national race, the Shanghai city race and the Shanghai-New Taipei City dragon boat exchange program, according to the Putuo Sports Bureau, the races' organizer.
Dragon boat racing is the highlight of the Duan Wu Festival, or "Double Fifth" Festival that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This year it fell on June 12.
For many Shanghainese, it is a tradition to watch the races along Suzhou Creek in Putuo District since the first race 12 years ago. Bright decorations, spectacular dragon boats, shouting and drumming, cheers of the crowd, peddlers and traditional zongzi treats make the traditional Chinese festival memorable.
Teams from China and other countries competed on a section of creek near the Brilliant City community in the Suzhou Creek International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. The overseas participants came from Hungary, Russia, Kenya and Germany.
At the finale on June 10, Taihuwan from Wujin, Jiangsu Province won the first place at both the 200-meter and 500-meter events of the Shanghai branch of the China Dragon Boat Open Tournament.
In the city dragon boat race, PC SHTOORM won the first place of the 200-meter event.
Twelve teams from Shanghai and New Taipei City also held a friendship race during the Shanghai-Taiwan exchange program. Momentum from New Taipei City won the first place in the 500-meter event.
The exchange event features not only the tournament but also various events and forums. Six noted scholars from China and the mainland discussed the culture of dragon boat racing and modern, environmentally friendly living. The theme was man living in harmony with nature, as well as coordinated development between the mainland and Taiwan.
Since the Putuo District government launched the first Suzhou Creek dragon boat race in 2001, the event has become a must-see for many Shanghai people during the festival, according to Yan Jinfa, chief judge at the races. He has been the chief judge for the Suzhou Creek dragon boat races since the very first time it was held 12 years ago.
"After stating as a small-scale race, it has become one of the major international dragon boat tournaments in the world," Yan observed.
"The race is now a brand that combines sports, landscape and cultural exchange," he said.
For the first time this year, the Shanghai branch of the China Dragon Boat Open Tournament was held.
And the city dragon boat race is not only for professionals: anyone can participate. The participants this year come from all walks of life, including professionals, office workers, teachers, students, workers and many others, Yan said. Participation builds a strong sense of community.
Creative art was incorporated to bring back memories of Suzhou Creek and promote the culture of dragon boat racing and eco-friendly modern living.
In addition, the races showcased the district's latest development and achievements in western part of Shanghai, according to the organizing committee.
Citing the district's "one river five zone" plan as an example, committee officials said the race attracted people from outside the district to learn about Putuo's economic development ambitions and progress.
The plan covers the district's key economic areas: the area along Suzhou Creek, Changfeng Business Zone, Zhenru Sub-district Business District, Middle Ring Business and Trade Zone, Taopu Town and Changshou Road Commerce and Business Zone.
"As a name card for Putuo, the dragon boat race is rooted in traditional cultural heritage. It combines with modern themes in urban development, shows the fast development of Shanghai, and encourages more people to join this sport and spread the culture of dragon boats," the judge Jin said.
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