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The 2025 Guangxi·Guilin (Lingui) ASEAN Dragon Boat Invitational Race wrapped up on June 1 with thrilling finals on the scenic Moonlight Island watercourse in Lingui district, Guilin. After intense competition, the Hunan Yueyang Xizhou Team clinched first place, followed by Liuzhou Rong'an Dazhou Team and Hunan Renyi Qilong Team.
Representatives of the top three dragon boat teams receive their awards on stage. [Photo/Guilin Evening Newspaper]
Six teams emerged from a field of sixteen in the preliminaries to battle it out in the finals. Divided into three groups, they raced in high-stakes, 500-meter sprints. Paddles struck in unison to the beat of drums as boats surged forward, sending sprays of water skyward. Cheers from the riverbanks matched the intensity on the water, amplifying the event's electric atmosphere.
In a special moment of cultural unity, the organizing committee awarded the "Dragon Boat Friendship Ambassador" honor to three teams composed of ASEAN and African international students. Their participation highlighted the event's role in promoting cultural exchange and sharing Guilin's tourism appeal with the world.
In the final race, two dragon boat teams are neck and neck, with paddlers giving their all in a powerful sprint to the finish. [Photo/Guilin Evening Newspaper]
The awards ceremony concluded with a heartfelt performance of the local folk song "Mountain Songs Are Like Spring River Water" by the international students - an emotional finale that celebrated both competition and connection.
