The 15th Shanghai & 3rd Yangtze River Delta International Students Dragon Boat Race took place at ECUST Fengxian Campus on May 24. This event is part of the national “Perceiving China” initiative and attracted a large number of international students. A total of 792 competitors from 102 countries formed 33 teams, representing universities from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region. After several rounds of intense racing, Shanghai Normal University won first place in the 200-meter mixed-gender sprint race.

                                                    Dragon boat teams preparing for the race

Before the competition, ECUST Deputy Party Secretary Shen Haitao welcomed participants from other institutions, noting ECUST’s 15-year stewardship of this signature event. “This race has become one of the most anticipated sports events for international students in Shanghai and Yangtze River Delta,” he remarked. After the address, traditional lion dances and ethnic performances energized the crowd. University and municipal officials then announced the opening of the competition and joined in the ceremonial “eye-dotting” ritual to bless the race.

The competition was intense as every crew rowed with great efforts. As racers powered toward the finish with each synchronized stroke and collective shout, they embodied the true spirit of dragon boat racing—unity and perseverance. On the banks, the spectators erupted in cheers, creating an exciting and harmonious atmosphere.

Racers paddling hard during the competition

Spectators cheering excitedly from the shore

Shanghai Normal University receiving the first prize

After groups and rounds of competition, Shanghai Normal University claimed first prize, with Jiangsu University of Science and Technology and Fudan University taking second. Five institutions shared third place honors. “This grueling sport taught me the true meaning of Chinese unity,” said French team captain of Shanghai Normal University. Saudi Arabian racer Abdulqader Zeyad I Salloot of ECUST added: “Every stroke builds trust between teammates.”

Teams celebrating their achievements after the race

The roaring competition demonstrated how traditional Chinese sports continue bridging cultures and races, leaving collectively woven memories from racers, spectators and staffs. Organized by the China Scholarship Council, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, International Students Education Committed of International Education Association Shanghai, the event has become a flagship cultural exchange platform since launching in 2008. “Becoming an official ‘Perceiving China’ program of the China Scholarship Council’s initiative last year, the ECUST International Students Dragon Boat Race has expanded its reach significantly. Moving forward, this event will continue to amplify its impact, to bring fresh energy to cultural exchanges between China and the world,” explained Li Xiaopeng, Dean of College of International Education of ECUST.