International students from universities in the Yangtze River Delta region race dragon boats in Shanghai on May 25. [Photo/shedunews.com]

In celebration of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, the 14th Shanghai Region and second Yangtze River Delta HEIs International Students Dragon Boat Race kicked off grandly at the Fengxian campus of East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai on May 25.

Teams from 34 universities across Shanghai, as well as from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces in the Yangtze River Delta region, competed in the event. In total, the event brought together 765 participants from 106 countries. 

After intense competition, the international student team from Shanghai's East China Normal University clinched the championship title, showcasing their skills and exceptional teamwork.

The team from Shanghai Maritime University won second place, while the team from Jiangsu's Nanjing University of Science and Technology came in third.

The participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience and share Chinese culture, emphasizing that teamwork and camaraderie are what led to their success.

A Russian student from Zhejiang University said that through this competition, she had not only made many friends who shared her love for water sports, but that she also developed a deep appreciation for Chinese dragon boat culture.

Dragon boat races, a blend of tradition and sport, have become hallmark events for international students in Shanghai. This particular dragon boat race has been held in Shanghai since 2008, acting as a platform for fostering international friendship and cultural understanding. The event's expansion to include universities from the Yangtze River Delta region underscores its growing influence.

Participants showcase their skills and teamwork during the race. [Photo/shedunews.com]

The dragon boat race launches with a grand opening ceremony. [Photo/shedunews.com]