The 2025 China Canoe Tour came to a successful close in Yuanling County, Hunan Province, after national finals unfolded over two days of high-level competition and rich cultural celebration.
Hosted in the historical town recognised as the “Hometown of Traditional Chinese Dragon Boats,” the event brought together 189 athletes from 17 cities across China.
Canoe Sprint paddlers competed over 200m and 500m and a 15k endurance race, across professional, open, masters, and local categories.
Competition concluded with the final overall rankings of the 2025 China Canoe Tour.
The final was jointly hosted by the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Canoe Association, with local support from the Yuanling County Government.
As part of a broader initiative to integrate sport with tourism and cultural heritage, the event showcased a unique combination of athletic competition and local traditions.
With more than 2,000 years of Dragon Boat heritage, Yuanling County embedded its local cultural identity throughout the event, enabling a two-way synergy between sport and cultural preservation.
The Opening Ceremony featured “Rufa Yuanling,” a racing performance inspired by the region’s long-standing Dragon Boat culture.
During the races, traditional vessels such as wooden awning boats, ceremonial dragon boats, and ornamental painted boats accompanied the canoeists, creating a distinctive visual experience on the Yuan River.
“There is a natural connection between Dragon Boat culture and the sport of canoeing, as they both celebrate perseverance, unity, and team spirit,” said Zhang Yin, Director of Division I of the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and Secretary General of the Chinese Canoe Association.
“This local partnership reinforces the emotional and communicative power of canoeing in China.”
The 2025 China Canoe Tour consisted of four stops across the country, attracting nearly 800 participants, including professional athletes, amateur enthusiasts, youth paddlers, and international competitors.
The series continues to serve as a national platform for both elite competition and the promotion of paddle sport at the grassroots level, contributing to the sport’s long-term development in China.
Chenglong Jin, Chief Representative of the ICF Hangzhou Office, joined Liu Xiangyang, Party Secretary of Yuanling County, for discussions on the promotion of paddle sport and presented medals to winning athletes and awards to outstanding organising teams during the event.
