Paddlers from Baiyun's Yagang team claim the open category title for the second consecutive year. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

The Shimen Yagang dragon boat team from Guangzhou's Baiyun district defended its title at the 2026 Guangzhou Dragon Boat Championship on May 24, clinching the open category crown with a time of 1 min 5.13 sec on Luhu Lake.

The two-day event featured standard dragon boat races with 22 crew members competing over a 300-meter straight course. Following preliminary heats on May 23, 44 teams advanced to the semifinals and finals. Three additional Baiyun teams also finished in the top eight — Songzhou Street Chalong (fourth), Yahu Youth (seventh) and Banghu Feiyue (eighth).

The Shimen Yagang dragon boat team from Baiyun district powers through the water during the open category final of the 2026 Guangzhou Dragon Boat Championship on May 24. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

"We trained hard together and even broke last year's record in the final," said Cao Shaorong, team leader of the Yagang squad. "We'll carry forward our team's fighting spirit and keep inspiring more young people to embrace this Cantonese tradition."

The championship served as the curtain-raiser for Baiyun's extended four-month dragon boat season, which runs through late September and features four major events blending racing with cultural performances, food festivals and family activities.