— 2026 Asian University Dragon Boat Championship Cultural Exchange Activities Came to a Heartwarming Closure
To deepen cultural understanding and friendship among athletes from different regions, a series of cultural exchange activities was held in Liaocheng, Shandong Province, from May 25 to 26, 2026, following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Asian University Dragon Boat Championship. Student athletes of dragon boat teams from China, Hong Kong China, Macao China, Singapore, Thailand, Australia took part, experiencing the charm of Chinese culture through traditional arts and intangible cultural heritage.
Traditional Chinese Music Opens the Exchange
At 9:00 a.m. on May 25, the exchange officially opened at the auditorium of the West Campus of Liaocheng University, beginning with a captivating performance of traditional Chinese music. The Liaocheng University National Orchestra presented three classic pieces for the visiting youth—”Golden Snake Dancing Wildly,” “Ox Fighting Tiger,” and “Galloping War Horses.” By turns spirited and exuberant, the melodies presented the rich heritage and artistic vitality of traditional Chinese music, drawing applause from the audience.
Dragon Boat Exchange Meeting: Sharing Experiences and Looking Ahead
As the performance drew to a close, a dragon boat–themed exchange meeting followed. Representatives of teams from China, Hong Kong China, Macao China, Singapore, Australia, and other regions took the stage in turn. They shared not only their teams’ training experiences and competition insights, but also expressed thanks to the event organizers, the volunteer team, and Liaocheng University for their thoughtful planning. Many representatives said that racing alongside young people from around the world and exchanging skills had been an unforgettable journey. The exchange was filled with laughter.
To conclude the meeting, Mr. Wei Wei, the technical delegate for this championship, was invited to share the current state and future plans of dragon boat racing in China, giving the young participants from across the 6 countries and regions a deeper understanding of this ancient yet vibrant sport. He noted that dragon boat racing is evolving from a traditional folk custom toward greater internationalization, standardization, and youth appeal, and that future efforts will further strengthen exchange and cooperation among young people across Asia and beyond. Mr. Wei Wei also presented the vision of dragon boat training and racing, including sensor-enabled smart paddle, the cyber dragon boat, dragon boat four-event tetrathlon, and night dragon boat.
Koi Release Ceremony: Friendship Carried by Water
At 10:40 a.m., a koi release ceremony for the young visitors was held by the shore of Ligong Lake on the East Campus of Liaocheng University. Representatives from the participating teams gathered to release Gaotang koi into the lake. With a farming history spanning more than 1,600 years and a profound cultural legacy, the Gaotang koi is a distinctive cultural emblem of Liaocheng.
Koi carry fortune and friendship; the lake water bears shared hearts of all. Accompanied by this heartfelt message, young people of different backgrounds stood shoulder to shoulder, gently releasing the koi one after another into the water. In that moment, the passion of athletic competition transformed into the warmth of cultural exchange; the lake shimmered with light, and friendship rippled quietly outward across its surface.
Visiting the Canal Museum: Exploring a Millennium of Waterway Civilization
At 10:00 a.m. on May 26, the delegation visited the China Canal Culture Museum. Over the two-hour visit, visitors gained understanding of the Grand Canal of China—its history, water-transport system, engineering achievements, and the rise and fall of the cities along its course. Grand sand-table models, rich displays of cultural relics, and digital interactive experiences made visitors feel as though they were traveling back in time through a thousand years of waterways, leaving them with a deep appreciation of the canal’s vital role as a bond between civilizations.
Intangible Heritage Gourd Painting: A Hands-On Encounter with Folk Art
In the afternoon, the delegation arrived at the Fulu Li Gourd Creative Workshop in the Liaocheng Ancient City and took part in a gourd-painting experience, an activity of intangible cultural heritage. Under the guidance of heritage inheritors, the visiting athletes picked up brushes and painted designs on gourds of various shapes—some recreating traditional motifs, others incorporating modern animation or elements of their own cultures—in a relaxed and lively atmosphere. The activity lasted around 2 hours, with each finished piece becoming a unique mark of cross-cultural dialogue.
Conclusion
From dragon boat races to the melodies of traditional music, from the koi release to hands-on intangible heritage crafts, this two-day cultural exchange activities not only brought closure to the 2026 Asian University Dragon Boat Championship but also planted seeds of understanding and friendship in the hearts of young athletes from other regions. Building bridges over water, Liaocheng showed the inclusiveness and richness of China’s traditional culture to the world.
