The 2025 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament kicked off on the morning of June 1.

Marking its 40th anniversary this year, the event features 600-meter straight-line sprints for dragon boats with 22 crew members in four categories: men's open, women's open, men's international, and university. In addition to the intense races, festive cultural performances, including a traditional dragon boat display, colorful dragon figures, and a dragon parade, showcased the vibrant Lingnan culture along the river.