The 2026 Beijing Grand Canal Dragon Boat Carnival opened along the Grand Canal in Tongzhou District, Beijing on June 19, the very day of the Dragon Boat Festival. Centered on the dragon boat theme, the carnival features competitions for three events: 100-meter, 200-meter and 500-meter straight races for 12-person dragon boats, with 10 teams from all districts of Beijing taking part. Professional dragon boat teams from Lingnan, Guangdong were specially invited to stage distinctive Lingnan folk performances, including dragon boat drifting on water, lion dances and Wing Chun demonstrations. Photos: Chen Tao/GT