Schedule of 2025 Dragon Boat races in Shenzhen

The Dragon Boat Festival is just around the corner. As an important ritual of the festival, the dragon boat races promise an exhilarating blend of tradition, sport, and community spirit. Scheduled to take place along the scenic waterways of Shenzhen, the annual events will gather top dragon boat teams competing amid the vibrant cultural festivities. 

Rowers paddle at the 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Shenzhen Nan’ao) Maritime Dragon Boat Race in Dapeng New Area. Photo by Liu Xudong

Mark your calendars for a day of races throughout the city, designed to celebrate the cherished heritage.

Maozhou River Dragon Boat Race, Bao’an District

Twenty-four teams representing cities from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) will compete in the Shenzhen·Bao’an Maozhou River Dragon Boat Race.

Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m., May 24

Location: Yanluo Subdistrict section of Maozhou River, Bao’an District

Transport: Line 11 to Houting Station (后亭站), then take a taxi 

Reservation: WeChat official account "宝安文体通"

Longgang River Dragon Boat Race, Longgang District

The competition features 16 teams from Singapore, Malaysia, and GBA competing for the top honor. Additionally, a Dragon Boat Festival market, themed exhibitions, performances, and other related activities will be held in nearby Longyuan Park.

Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m., May 24

Location: Longyuan section of Longgang River, Longgang District

Metro: Line 16 to Longyuan Station (龙园站), Exit D

Reservation: WeChat official account "龙岗文体通"

Shekou Dragon Boat Race, Nanshan District

Local and expatriate paddlers in Shekou will race on the scenic Zhongxin River to celebrate the traditional festival.

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 24

Location: Zhongxin River near Anwan 6 Street in Shekou, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 2 to Wanxia Station (湾厦站), Exit A, then walk for 1 km

Reservation: No reservation required

Community Dragon Boat Race in Guangming District

Six teams representing the six subdistricts of Guangming District will compete on a 500-meter racecourse on the Maozhou River. In addition, a cultural carnival, intangible cultural heritage performances, and other festive activities will be held.

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 25

Location: Maozhou River near Nanguang Lyujing (南光绿境), Guangming District

Transportation: Line 6 to Heshuikou Station (合水口站), then take a taxi

Reservation: No reservation required

Guanlan River Dragon Boat Race, Longhua District

The two-day race will feature professional paddlers from Hong Kong and Hunan Province, as well as foreign countries including Russia and Singapore, along amateur teams comprising corporate participants, and local government employees.

Time: 9-11 a.m., 2-5 p.m., May 25; 9-11 a.m., May 27

Location: Guanlan River between the district government compound and Renmin Bridge, Longhua District

Metro: Line 4 to Zhucun Station (竹村站), Exit A

Reservation: WeChat official account "龙华文体云"

Xinzhou River Dragon Boat Race, Futian District

Rowers from GBA cities in 16 teams will compete along the Xinzhou River waterway through Futian CBD, complemented by diverse cultural performances.

Time: 8:30 a.m to noon, May 31

Location: Yangjihui section of Xinzhou River, Futian District

Metro: Line 3 to Yitian Station (益田站), Exit D

Reservation: WeChat official account "幸福福田" (by drawing lots)

Dasha River Dragon Boat Race, Nanshan District

This annual dragon boat race has been held since 2019, cementing its status as a signature sports event in Nanshan District.

Time: 9 a.m. to noon, May 31

Location: Dasha River Corridor, Nanshan District

Transportation: Line 7 to Zhuguang Station (珠光站), Exit B, then take a taxi 

Reservation: No reservation required

GBA dragon boat race on the sea, Dapeng New Area

The 2025 Greater Bay Area (Nan’ao, Shenzhen) Maritime Dragon Boat Race, the only dragon boat race on the sea in Shenzhen, will be its 22nd edition. From seasoned vererans to enthusiastic newcomers, the event promises not only speed and excitement, but also cultural displays, food markets, live music and more at Yueliang Bay in Nan’ao, Dapeng New Area.

Time: 8:40-11 a.m., May 30; 8:40-11 a.m., May 31

Location: Yueliang Bay, Nan’ao, Dapeng New Area

Reservation: No reservation required

Note: Advanced reservations with the traffic police authority are required for private passenger cars to Dapeng on May 31