With the rhythmic beating of drums and the synchronized splash of oars, the Xinhai Bay came alive as dragon boats surged across the water like arrows in flight. At the 2025 4th Dalian Dragon Boat Race, the "Shiying International Dragon Boat Team" from Dalian University of Technology (DUT) paddled their way to a historic personal best time of 1 minute and 17 seconds, showcasing the spirit of unity and cross-cultural exchange.
The annual dragon boat race, held at the Dalian City Rowing Center along the Malanhe River, has grown into a flagship cultural and sporting event. This year marked a milestone as the race was officially elevated to a national-level competition after rigorous evaluation by the Chinese Dragon Boat Association. The event attracted 21 competitive teams from universities, enterprises, and community groups, uniting over 400 participants to compete in a thrilling 300-meter sprint.
As the starting gun fired, the dragon boats shot forward, carving white trails across the glistening water. Cheers, drumbeats, and the splash of paddles fused into a vibrant symphony of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Pioneers in the water: Liaoning's first all-international dragon boat team
Formed under the Dalian University of Technology's Shiying International Student Sports Club, the Shiying International Dragon Boat Team is the first full-scale international student team of its kind in Liaoning Province. Since early May, more than 20 students from across the globe—representing countries from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas—have trained tirelessly under the guidance of a dedicated coach.
Their training journey began on land, practicing stroke techniques and body coordination, before transitioning to on-water drills. Overcoming linguistic, cultural, and physical challenges, the team built a deep sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
"The drumbeat is not just rhythm—it's the heartbeat of the team," wrote Tasrib from Bangladesh in his training journal. "When all sixteen paddles strike the water at once, it's not just power we feel, but a silent understanding that transcends language."
For DUT, dragon boating is more than a sport—it has become an integral part of its national education curriculum for international students, blending physical fitness with deep cultural immersion. Coaches regularly introduce students to the historical roots of the tradition, from the story of Qu Yuan to the evolution of modern international dragon boat competitions.
A boat that carries shared human values
During the race, the Shiying team improved with every round—placing first among DUT's four participating teams in the first heat (1:18), and then surpassing themselves in the second (1:17). As they crossed the finish line, a wave of cheers erupted from the crowd. Team members of different ethnicities and languages embraced, their sweat mingling with river spray—united in joy and pride.
The team embodies DUT's commitment to "educating through sports and culture," integrating traditional Chinese values like unity and perseverance into daily training. "Dragon boating helped us understand the beauty of Chinese culture," shared one teammate,"-and made us cherish the friendships we've built on this boat."
As one of China's first nationally recognized intangible cultural heritages, dragon boat racing continues to evolve. Its core spirit of solidarity and collective effort resonates across borders and embodies values shared by all humanity.
Sports as a bridge in international education
The Shiying team is a testament to DUT's broader commitment to educational openness. Since 2024, the university has integrated dragon boat training into its co-curricular offerings for international students, combining on-campus theory with real-world practice.
"Dragon boating is a powerful medium for telling China's story," said the team's coach. "By integrating traditional sports with international student education, we've built a new platform for cultural exchange and global friendship."
This innovative approach aligns with global trends. Today, over 90 countries and regions have formal dragon boat organizations, with more than 50 million enthusiasts worldwide. The sport was even featured as a showcase event in the Tokyo Olympics and will appear as an exhibition event in Paris 2024, marking its growing global footprint.
Paddling toward a shared future
When the Shiying paddlers sit side by side in the boat, their oars moving in perfect harmony, they're speaking a universal language—one without words, with rhythm in the drums, flow in the water, and a shared purpose in their hearts.
"A dragon boat may be small, but it carries a grand vision—the idea of a shared future for humanity," the team's coach remarked. "When more than twenty young people from different countries row toward a common goal, they are living out that vision."
This powerful cultural practice reflects China's commitment to opening its education to the world. By enabling international students to experience traditional culture firsthand and then share those experiences globally, dragon boating becomes a vessel for Chinese values, navigating toward new shores.
As the race concluded, the Shiying International Dragon Boat Team stood proudly with their medals and trophy, a symbol of achievement and connection. "Now I truly understand what Chinese people mean by 'Everyone rowing together can move a big boat,' " said Zehra from Pakistan, gently touching the paddle that once split the waves of the Malanhe. "This paddle has become a symbol of friendship and cultural fusion."
Looking ahead, the team plans to continue racing, training, and sharing their experiences, further promoting international understanding through the powerful rhythm of dragon boating. With paddles in hand and waves ahead, the Shiying team is ready to chart new waters—together.
