Cambridge—The “Hello! China · 2025 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival” splashed onto the River Cam on the 8th, blending athletic rivalry with Oriental cultural heritage. Supported by the China National Tourist Office in London and hosted by the Cambridge Chinese Community Centre, the event embodied the “Hello! China” national tourism brand, offering UK audiences an immersive experience of Chinese civilization.
A Festival Beyond Sports: Where Cultures Converse
Marking the “International Day of Civilizational Dialogue” on June 10th, the festival centered on the theme “Dialogue · Soulmates,” integrating dragon boat races with traditional Chinese arts. This innovative format mirrored the Global Civilization Initiative’s call for equal and respectful exchanges between cultures.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted in a video message that dragon boat racing, dating to China’s Spring and Autumn Period, carries universal values of “unity, tenacity, and excellence”—spiritual treasures cherished globally. Francis Birkett, Representative of the King in Cambridgeshire, welcomed the champion Guangdong Shantou Chaoyang Dragon Boat Team, hailing their presence as a catalyst for people-to-people bonds. Cambridge’s new Mayor, Dinah Douns, highlighted the festival’s role in countering global isolationism, leveraging her artistic background to advocate for cultural bridges.
A River of Unity: 12 Teams, One Spirit
Twelve diverse teams competed on the Cam, including Cambridge city councilors, police officers, and a Cambridge-Oxford university joint team. The Chaoyang team stunned spectators with synchronized paddling and traditional drumbeats, showcasing authentic Chinese dragon boat culture.
Three themed zones offered immersive experiences: a food fair serving xiaolongbao and chao shou; an intangible heritage market with dragon boat zongzi wrapping and sugar painting; and a bilingual stage blending guzheng music with British folk songs. “The races made Chinese culture tangible,” said Cambridge resident Emma, while student Tom marveled at paper-cutting craftsmanship.
As dragon boat drums echoed across the river, the festival proved more than a sport event—it was a living testament to how cultural exchange can navigate divides, proving that on the waters of understanding, every paddle stroke unites rather than divides.
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