Organized by Yuhang District Government and supported by the Management Committee Office of Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park, Wuchang Community Office and Yuhang Tourism Bureau, the first Wuchang Dragon Boat Race was held in the west zone of Xixi National Wetland Park on May 28th, the traditional Dragon Boat Festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also called Double Fifth Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The origin of the festival centers around a scholarly government official named Qu Yuan. He was a respected man, but because of the misdeeds of jealous rivals he eventually fell into disfavor in the emperor's court. In his sorrow Qu Yuan threw himself into the Miluo River. Because of their admiration for Qu Yuan, the local people living adjacent to the Miluo River rushed into their boats to search for him while throwing rice into the waters to appease the river dragons. Although they were unable to find Qu Yuan, their efforts are still commemorated today during the Dragon Boat Festival.

As a traditional cultural activity Wuchang Dragon Boat Race has a history of over 500 years. The race was enlisted as one of the first national Non-physical Cultural Heritage Outreach Projects by the State Council in June 2008. Organized for the first time by the local government, this year's race saw the highest number of dragon boats and audience members participating. Even Olympic canoeing champion Mr. Meng Guanliang was invited.

Over 100 boats participated in the race, 50 more than the original plan. With a cracking of fireworks, the race started at 2pm. Led by the largest dragon boat, all competitors rowed tirelessly. The water was sparkling, the drums were pounding, and the audience along the riverbank were cheering and taking photos.

As the water course was too crowded some dragon boats even overturned, but rowers were still laughing when they came out of the water. They said this was the very appeal of having a dragon boat race.