Nearly 40 teams are set to compete in the 2025 “Haikou Cup” International Dragon Boat Invitational, according to the Haikou Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports.
The event features three race categories: a 1000-meter open division, a 500-meter race for local teams, and a 200-meter sprint for community-based teams. International crews from Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are confirmed to participate, joining local teams for practice runs along the Haidian River, between Century Bridge and People’s Bridge, and for informal meetups to foster cultural exchange.
Four top-tier teams from Guangxi and Guangdong, both known for strong showings in national dragon boat competitions, will also join the lineup, raising the competitive bar for this year’s event.
This edition of the Haikou Cup introduces several firsts: mixed-gender teams competing together, participation from international teams, and appearances by heritage teams from traditional fishing villages with histories dating back over a century. The blend of tradition, inclusivity, and international presence reflects the evolving spirit of Haikou’s dragon boat scene.
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