As Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Zhangjiagang's eighth Lingtong Rowing Elite Race kicked off with a bang on May 24 in Tangqiao town.
Lingtong is a traditional oval wooden bucket, historically used for fishing, water caltrop harvesting, and lotus picking. Derived from the water farming practices of Jiangnan, this traditional sport emphasizes both speed and balance.
A total of 65 racers from across the city competed fiercely, each seated in a Lingtong, using their hands as paddles as they traversed the splash-filled chaos. Liu Weidong, a representative of Tangqiao town, led his group race with ease, despite being over 60 years old. "The key is to swing your arms widely and row quickly," he shared in excitement.
The riverside buzzed with festive spirit. Skilled local residents and traditional artists demonstrated crafts like tiger-head shoe making and blue calico dyeing. Spectators cheered for the racers while immersing themselves in cultural activities.