A nationwide dragon boat racing event kicked off in the Nanhai district of Foshan, Guangdong province, which is known as an important place for traditional dragon boat culture.

According to the event's organizers, the Nanhai Dragon Boat Super League, or the China National Dragon Boat Festival, aims to develop world-class teams in the traditional sport and expand its cultural influence.

The first race was held on Monday in the ancient Yannan village in Nanhai, marking Dragon Head-raising Day, which falls on the second day of the second lunar month.

The event featured folk activities such as a dragon head-raising ceremony, a colorful dragon boat parade, and a dragon boat banquet for hundreds of attendees. The dragon boats in the colorful parade were decorated with gongs, drums, umbrellas and colorful flags.

The Super League is the first nationwide dragon boat racing event.