Despite the drizzling rain, the fifth "Xingnong Cup" Dragon Boat Race in Tian'enqiao Village, Yingpu Subdistrict, Qingpu District, kicked off as scheduled on the afternoon of June 8.

Amid roaring drums and enthusiastic cheers, 28 participating teams fearlessly braved the weather, fiercely competing on the rolling emerald waves. The spectacular aquatic showdown showcased both the vibrant vitality of rural revitalization and the indomitable fighting spirit of the villagers.

"This is our village's annual grand event—no amount of rain can dampen our enthusiasm!" exclaimed a proud villager from Team Two, wiping rainwater from his face. "Our team trains rain or shine, and this year, we defended our championship title. Next year, we’re going for another win!"

More than just a sporting competition, the "Xingnong Cup" Dragon Boat Race served as a vital platform for rural cultural exchange. As part of Yingpu Subdistrict’s Neighborhood Culture Festival, the event also featured a variety of side activities, includingzongzi-making workshops, free dental check-ups, handicraft exhibitions, product sales, and anti-fraud awareness campaigns.

Tian'enqiao Village’s "Xingnong Cup" is Shanghai’s first entirely self-funded, self-organized, and self-run rural dragon boat competition. Since its debut in 2021, the event has been successfully held for five consecutive years, attracting nearly 30 teams annually and gradually becoming a standout cultural-sports highlight in the countryside.

Now, the race has officially been upgraded to the Shanghai Urban Amateur League Dragon Boat Series.