[Physical Culture] Yuanling Dragon Boat Race

Photo source: cnsphoto

Area: Yuanling County, Huaihua, Hunan
Name: Yuanling Traditional Dragon Boat Race
NO.: Ⅶ-2
Category: Acrobatics & Athletics
Year of Application: 2006
Applicant: Yuanling County, Huaihua City
Level: Provincial

The traditional dragon boat race in Yuanling enjoys a long history, large scale and deep cultural background. According to historical records, the boat race is being held in this area since Qu Yuan, the great poet as well as loyal official of state Chu, drowned himself in Miluo river. Scattered with many rivers on this land, Yuanling is called the place of mountains and rivers. The historic boat race here comes to a natural integration with local customs, religious culture, and Yuan river customs; shaping the the traditional dragon boat race and the traditions through generations. 

Characterized by racing right across the river, numerous boats and rowers, large amount of audience and a long time span, the races here share certain common features with dragon races held in other places but with its own distinctiveness. It perfectly combines the local customs with sport games, creating a multi-networked, greatly varied and a unique Yuanling-centered Hunan dragon boat race.

Translator: Qiu Xian

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn