The dragon boat race. [Photo/Tian Jiaxin]

The Fourth Jilin Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament and the 2026 Changchun Dragon Boat Open kicked off on June 19 on the Yitong River, drawing competitors and spectators to a vibrant Dragon Boat Festival celebration.

Hosted by the Jilin Provincial Sports Bureau and the Changchun Municipal People's Government, the event was one of Changchun's flagship public fitness activities during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday and helped build momentum for the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade.

A total of 24 teams from across China took part in the competition, with 384 athletes racing 12-person dragon boats on a 300-meter straight course. Teams battled fiercely on the water as thousands of residents and visitors lined the riverbanks to cheer them on.

The riverboat dance performance. [Photo/Tian Jiaxin]

A variety of cultural performances further enhanced the riverside festival atmosphere. Dragon and lion dances, drum shows, Latin dance performances, and traditional folk music entertained spectators, while decorated boats and riverboat dance performances added excitement on the river.

The flyboarding experience. [Photo/Tian Jiaxin]

Beyond the races, organizers introduced nine themed activity sections that combined sports, public fitness, traditional culture, and city promotion. Visitors could enjoy fitness demonstrations, interactive sports experiences, and a Dragon Boat Festival cultural market showcasing intangible cultural heritage crafts and folk traditions.

The event was broadcast live across multiple online platforms, with combined online and offline participation exceeding 500,000.