Participants paddle in their dragon boat during a race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

Participants paddle in their dragon boat during a race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

A dragon boat team is pictured during a dragon boat race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

A dragon boat team is pictured during a dragon boat race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

Teams compete during a dragon boat race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

Teams compete during a dragon boat race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

A woman beats her team's drum during a dragon boat race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

A woman beats her team's drum during a dragon boat race held on the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on May 19, 2024. /CFP

A provincial-level dragon boat race event stirred the waters of Qinhuai River, gathering a dozen dragon boat teams and over 320 athletes to compete in the 200-meter and 500-meter races in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.

Eight of the competing teams came from top provincial universities, including Southeast University, Nanjing Tech University, and Soochow University, showcasing fierce competition and a display of rowing prowess.

This dragon boat race has been held on the Qinhuai River for four consecutive years. It has become a highly anticipated early summer spectacle, highlighting the city's vibrant water sports culture.