The famed Sanzao sea dragon boat race – held off Sanzao Island in the Jinwan District of South China's Zhuhai City and reputed as a "sea marathon" – will resume on June 21, after being suspended for eight years. 

This year's event will take place at the water near East Jinwan Road, one day before the Dragon Boat Festival which falls on June 22 this year. 

Eight dragon boat teams from four towns in Jinwan District will compete.

It is said that during the reign of the Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Xiangshan salt field was relocated to Sanzao Island. The rapid development of salt, fishing, and agriculture there led to economic prosperity and buoyant emerging traditions. As a result, a paddle boat race evolved into the sea dragon boat race. 

Sanzao sea dragon boat racing was listed as one of the representative projects of intangible cultural heritage items in Jinwan at the District level in March 2018 and entered the municipal list later that year.

Local villagers practice for the sea dragon boat race. [Photo by Zhang Zhou / Guanhai App]

Sea dragon boat racing is different from traditional races in terms of venue, boats, and schedule. 

Boats used in the race are renovated from fishing boats with a structure symbolizing the dragon head. Villagers place a rice plant or a green plant in the bow. 

Each team consists of 23 members guided by a siffleur who beats the rowing rhythm for the boat. 

Unlike other dragon boat races with multiple rounds of elimination, sea dragon boat racing is decided by only one round of elimination. The teams will race six laps around a course of 12 kilometers.