Recognized as a form of intangible cultural heritage, the dragon boat races in Diejiao Village, south China's Guangdong Province stand out from typical dragon boat races held on wide rivers. The Diejiao dragon boat race, boasting a history of over 500 years, is renowned for its thrilling and hazardous course, set amid a maze of narrow, shallow, and winding waterways.
The course in Diejiao is naturally challenging, with canals less than 6 meters wide. Here, these 25-meter-long dragon boats, each carrying over 40 strong paddlers, navigate sharp turns, execute rapid stops, and perform swift reversals, creating dramatic and breathtaking scenes.
Adding to the challenge, local residents place wooden stakes or stone piles at river bends to narrow the passage and increase the difficulty of navigating these turns. This reflects their commitment to speed and their willingness to face danger head-on, embodying their fearless and enterprising spirit.