Dragon boat teams compete during a previous event hosted by Guangzhou's Baiyun district. This year's dragon boat season will run from late May through late September with four major events. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Guangzhou's Baiyun district launched a four-month dragon boat outdoor consumption season on May 23, expanding the traditional one-day race into an extended festival running through late September under the city's sports consumption initiative.

Four major events headline the calendar.

The Renhe Town Dragon Boat Drift Competition from June 13 to 15 will feature 20 teams alongside a coffee festival and food market while the Chalong Dragon Boat Cultural event will showcase traditional parade performances on June 18.

A dragon boat feast. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Meanwhile, the Baiyun District Dragon Boat Race on July 4 at Baiyun Lake will see 23 teams compete in 600-meter straight sprints, accompanied by a waterfront carnival across two weekends with pop-up stores, creative cuisine and family activities.

The season concludes in late September with the Shimen Dragon Boat Invitational and the eighth Yagang Dragon Boat Carnival, blending racing with Cantonese Opera performances.

The district also unveiled a dragon boat waterway map and introduced the "Yunlongju" IP to unify branding across events.

A signature "Pretty Dragon Boat Feast" featuring eight symbolic dishes will be served throughout the carnival, with 100 to 150 tables available daily.

A cute girl plays a drum. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Organizers aim to drive cultural tourism integration and boost consumption across the dining, accommodation and retail sectors.