In the fifth lunar month, Dongguan embraces its most vibrant Dragon Boat Festival. Along the Dongjiang River, dragon boats line up like arrows drawn taut on a bowstring, while riverbanks are packed with cheering crowds. In Dongguan, there's a local saying:

"A championship race every three years, and a friendly gathering every two."三年一斗标，两年趁景

These friendly gatherings—known as Chenjing—aren't about winning. Instead, they're about bringing communities together. Villages send their boats to join the fun, turning the river into a joyful celebration of splashing oars and shared tradition.

On the sixth day of the fifth lunar month, the Huangchong Village hosts one of in Zhongtang Town's nine signature dragon boat gatherings. From early morning, the host village was alive with anticipation, ready to welcome rowers from neighboring communities. This year, there were some special guests, the Ricky family from the United States.

Invited by the hospitable villagers, the Rickys boarded a speedboat and headed into the heart of the river. As they got closer, deafening drumbeats pierced the air, and dragon boats shoot across the water like arrows, the rowers' synchronized strokes churning up furious waves. The children stare, wide-eyed, while the grandparents can't help murmuring, "This is incredible!" They feel the "speed and passion" of Dongguan's dragon boats firsthand: under the blazing sun, the rowers channel every ounce of strength into the surging waves, turning the Dongjiang into a boiling river of exhilaration.

By noon, after the races, no one can resist the allure of dragon boat rice. Fragrant ingredients like dried shrimp, cured meat, and ham are diced, stir-fried, and steamed with glutinous rice to create a savory, aromatic bowl of comfort. The Ricky family joined the villagers in digging in. 

"Delicious!" they said between bites. The villagers explained a local saying: "Eat dragon boat rice, and you'll be strong like a dragon and a tiger, and everything will go smoothly."(食咗龙船饭，龙精又虎猛，一定会顺风顺水”  Even if they didn't understand every word, the Rickys felt the meaning and the kindness behind it.

After lunch, the family next ventured to Chajiao Village in Zhongtang to witness how the river warriors sharpen their skills. But this time, they weren't just watching, they joined in! Under the coach's guidance, they learned how to paddle, follow the drumbeat, and even try a bit of strength training.

Their movements were clumsy at first, strength uncoordinated, but after several rounds of practice and bonding, the Rickys began to row with surprising rhythm and unity.

As the sun set, the Rickys said their goodbyes. "I never thought a dragon boat could unite an entire village," Ricky said. On a summer's day, far from home, they had tasted Dongguan's exhilarating passion, felt the gentle pulse of its water villages, and created lasting memories through shared effort and food.

One month of dragon boats  brings a city and the world closer together. And perhaps, next time, it will be your turn. Ready to experience the magic? Come to Dongguan for the dragon boats!

Written and posted by Nicole