Nearly 800 competitors from across China gathered last weekend for an ice dragon boat race on the frozen Yuehai Wetland Park in Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

At the referee’s whistle, teams launched into action on the ice in dragon boats over 7 metres long. Twelve racers per boat moved in tight coordination, driving ice awls into the frozen surface to propel themselves forward, transforming the wetland into a lively winter arena.

“We came from Wuhai… It feels completely different gliding on ice, very exciting,” said contestant Mou Huanran, highlighting the strong sense of teamwork.

Ice dragon boating combines the competitive spirit of traditional dragon boat racing with northern China’s winter culture, drawing inspiration from ice sledding. This year’s event featured 29 teams from Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia, with races in men’s, women’s and mixed categories.

Local authorities also introduced a “ticket stub” promotion, linking the event to shopping discounts and lantern festival offers to boost tourism and consumption.

Source: China Central Television