A team of foreigners take part in the race. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The 2024 Hangzhou Xixi International Dragon Boat Cultural Festival kicked off on June 10, lighting up the city with its annual dragon boat race.

Despite a morning downpour, the excitement at Xixi Wetland's prime viewing spot, Shentankou, was undampened, with crowds of locals and tourists gathering to capture the event's vibrant atmosphere.

The race began at 9:20 am with seven teams from Xihu district. The energetic drumbeats and synchronized paddling sent dragon boats slicing through the green waters.

The international dragon boat race followed, featuring teams like Xihu Squad, Millennium Boat Team, I Don't Understand Team, and Knowledge Matrix Team. Participants hailed from China and 17 other countries, including Austria, Brazil, Russia, the Netherlands, Mexico, the United States, and Indonesia.

The I Don't Understand Team, which included US participant Catherine and Austrian participant Haven, achieved an impressive time of 15 minutes and 15 seconds. "I felt tired in the middle but pushed through," Catherine remarked, while Haven expressed his intent to share his experience with family and friends, hoping to participate again next year.

A group of foreigners practice dragon boat racing on June 9. [Photo/chinanews.com]