2026 Yichang Dragon Boat Super League opens on May 30

By Chen Zai

The 2026 Yichang Dragon Boat League kicks off on May 30 in the waters near the Three Gorges Cruise Center in Yichang.

Known in Chinese as “Longchao” (龙超), the event features both the University Dragon Boat Open and the Yichang Dragon Boat League, bringing together teams from 12 universities and 14 counties and districts of Yichang.

Regular races are held on May 30–31 and June 13–14. The league finals and university open preliminaries are scheduled for June 19, with the opening ceremony that morning. The university finals, “Snatch the Red,” and the awards ceremony will follow on June 20.

Teams compete on May 30, the opening day of the 2026 Yichang Dragon Boat Super League
Photo by Yan Xiaodong and Fu Beibei

Competition events include 200-meter and 500-meter dragon boat races, as well as “Snatch the Red,” a traditional Three Gorges event in which teams race 500 meters before one crew member jumps into the water to retrieve a target.

A variety of cultural and tourism activities will also be held, including a Chu-style parade, the Yichang Flavors Market, an intangible heritage craftsmanship showcase, and the Qu Yuan Recommends Books program. For the first time, residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in a 200-meter, 12-person dragon boat experience race.