Hey there! Have you ever heard of dragon boats that drift like race cars? 🏁🐲
Welcome to Diejiao, a town in Foshan, in the Chinese mainland, where an amazing tradition takes place! For over 500 years, since the Ming Dynasty (that’s from 1368 to 1644!), people here have been racing dragon boats in a super cool way.
Unlike regular dragon boat races, Diejiao’s waterways are narrow, winding, and full of sharp turns. Picture this: boats with over 40 people onboard, zooming through tight bends, almost as if they’re drifting! It’s so exciting that people call it the “water Formula 1”! 🚤💨
But it’s not just about speed. This spectacular event shows the teamwork and skills of the rowers. The helmsmen (that’s the person steering the boat) have to carefully read the water and steer at just the right angle. Meanwhile, the rowers need to balance and paddle perfectly together to make those sharp turns without tipping over or crashing!
This thrilling race isn’t just a sport; it’s a part of the Lingnan Water Town’s culture and beliefs. It’s a tradition that brings the community together and celebrates their history.
Imagine watching the “C-bend” race, where boats glide around corners in a flash! Wouldn’t that be awesome to see? 😃
So next time you think of dragon boats, remember the incredible drifting dragon boats of Diejiao! Maybe one day, you can see it for yourself!
Reference(s):
Live: Witness dragon boat drifting spectacle in Diejiao, Foshan
cgtn.com
