The 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) Rural Dragon Boat Series is scheduled to begin on August 8 in Chengmai. Lasting two months, the tournament will feature races across seven cities and counties: Haikou, Sanya, Wanning, Ledong, Chengmai, Lingao, and Lingshui.

The event concludes with the finals in Wanning on October 4. Around 130 teams and 3,500 athletes are anticipated to compete, with a total prize pool of CNY 1 million.

For the first time, an Invitational Division will be included in the finals, featuring teams from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries, further expanding the event’s international profile.

Competition equipment has arrived at the Chengmai venue of the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port Rural Dragon Boat Series

Photo: Chengmai Integrated Media Center

The competition features Men’s, Mixed, and Invitational divisions, with 12- and 22-man dragon boat races over distances of 100 m, 200 m, and 500 m.

Qualifying rounds take place every weekend, with prize money awarded at each event. The top men’s team in each qualifier can earn up to CNY 11,000, and the overall champion will claim CNY 50,000 and the title of “Hainan Dragon Boat Champion.”

To encourage wider community participation, there is no entry fee. All athletes will be insured, provided with race kits, and offered lunch on competition days.

The event will follow the national competition standards set by the Chinese Dragon Boat Association, with racecourses, referees, and equipment all adhering to professional competition standards to ensure safety and fairness. 36 standard fiberglass dragon boats, aluminum floating docks, and dedicated officials’ boats have arrived in Chengmai ahead of the tournament's opening race along the Nandu River between Chengmai Bridge and Jinjiang Bridge.

Competition equipment has arrived at the Chengmai venue of the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port Rural Dragon Boat Series

Photo: Chengmai Integrated Media Center

The series will take place on some of Hainan’s best-known waterways, including the Nandu River, Lingshui River, Sanya River, Changhua River, Wenlan River, Haikou Bay, and Gangbei Harbor, highlighting the island’s diverse river, lake, and coastal scenery. Each venue will also stage a Rural Dragon Boat Cultural Festival with folk performances, local food markets, and specialty agricultural products.

A themed Dragon Boat Journey sports tourism route will connect nearby attractions, homestays, and scenic spots, offering a seamless experience that combines sports, culture, and tourism.

Spanning the summer holiday, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day holiday, the series invites visitors to explore Hainan through dragon boat races while celebrating the island’s rural culture and promoting sports and cultural exchanges across the region.