The event venue was bustling with guests and brimming with highlights. Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recorded a special video message to congratulate the event, praising dragon boat racing as an ancient ritual originating from the commemoration of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, a treasure of Chinese culture. He highlighted that the spirit of ‘unity, resilience, and excellence’ embodied by dragon boat racing serves as a microcosm of global peace and cooperation. He highly commended the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival for its significance in promoting cultural exchange and showcasing inclusivity and diversity, urging all to use culture as a vessel to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Francis Burkitt, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, praised the Chaoyang Heping Tin Hau Palace Xinglong Dragon Boat Team from Shantou, Guangdong, China, stating that their arrival as ‘cultural ambassadors’ not only infused the event with vitality but also allowed local residents to experience the spirit and charm of Chinese dragon boat culture in-person. In an interview, Francis Burkitt also specifically mentioned that the presence of Chinese dragon boat teams in this competition has helped Cambridge residents better understand China, while also allowing Chinese athletes to experience the atmosphere of Cambridge, achieving excellent interaction and cultural exchange.

Cllr Dinah Pounds, the newly elected mayor of Cambridge and also a musician, delivered a speech at the event. She stated that in an increasingly isolationist world, she hopes to take art as a bridge to foster understanding and reconciliation between local and international communities. Her husband, renowned composer Adam Pounds, also attended the event as a ‘cultural couple,’ symbolising the power of art transcending national borders.

Alan Macfarlane, Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, offered a historical perspective on civilisational exchange, noting that the world’s civilisations are like brilliant stars that should illuminate one another through exchange rather than remain isolated. He emphasised that only through mutual learning and integration can innovative sparks be ignited.

Zhang Li, Director of the China National Tourist Office in London (CNTO London), stated in his speech: ‘The friendship between nations lies in the friendship between their people, and the friendship between their people lies in frequent interaction.’ Culture and tourism are important bridges connecting the world, serving as a flexible force that transcends language barriers, dissolves misunderstandings, and builds trust.

Dr. Sun Wei, Chairman of the Cambridge Chinese Community Centre, the event’s organiser, stated that the preparation and application process for this dragon boat race was quite challenging, and its successful hosting would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of all parties involved. The event coincided with the UN’s International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, which added a deeper cultural significance to the competition. This year, the community specially invited not only Chinese ethnic groups but also communities from diverse backgrounds, including them from Africa and India, to participate in this cultural extravaganza. Building on this, the event was themed ‘Hello, China!’ aiming not only to promote Chinese culture and inbound tourism but also to showcase an open, inclusive, and vibrant image of China through this cross-cultural exchange platform.

Jeffrey Liu, CEO of Blue Mountain International Cultural Exchange Group, highly praised the significance of this Dragon Boat Festival in promoting civilisational dialogue and cross-cultural exchange in his opening remarks. He stated that this is not merely a sports event but a symbol of connecting different cultures and fostering community integration. He extended sincere gratitude to the host, the Cambridge Chinese Community Centre, and also paid heartfelt respects to all the dedicated volunteers and parties who supported the event.

At the event, 12 dragon boat teams from diverse backgrounds gathered at the River Cam to compete. The participating teams included the Cambridge City Council Team, the Cambridgeshire Police Team, the Cambridge University Students’ Union Team, the Oxford University Students’ Union Team, local Chinese community groups, and international student teams, showcasing a vibrant blend of Chinese, British, and multicultural elements.

The most eye-catching presence at the event was the Chaoyang Heping Tin Hau Palace Xinglong Dragon Boat Team, who had travelled a long distance to participate. This renowned traditional team from Lingnan showcased authentic paddling techniques, synchronised drum beats and chants, bringing the essence of southern Chinese dragon boat culture to the UK, eliciting enthusiastic applause.

Mark, a member of the Cambridge University rowing team and a volunteer, reflected, ‘Dragon boat racing is not just about competition; it is an art of teamwork. After participating in the preparations, I gained a deeper understanding of the collective spirit and values of striving forward in Chinese culture.’

In addition to the water sports, the event featured three immersive cultural experience zones, allowing British visitors to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture from multiple dimensions.

Chinese Culinary Fair: Amidst rising steam, over a dozen authentic Chinese dishes such as xiaolongbao, red oil wontons, and glutinous rice zongzi filled the air with enticing aromas, drawing large crowds to sample the flavours and embark on a ‘culinary journey through China.’

Intangible Cultural Heritage Market: Over 20 intangible cultural heritage crafts, including sugar painting, paper cutting, calligraphy, clay figurines, embroidery, and pottery, were showcased. Audience members could not only admire the craftsmanship but also participate in interactive activities, experiencing the traditional charm of ‘turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.’

Former Cambridge Mayor George Pippas, a Greek, has deep appreciation for his cultural heritage. Therefore he was deeply moved when he saw children dressed in traditional attire singing and dancing. This commitment to cultural preservation resonated strongly with him. This year’s event, themed ‘Hello, China!’ coincided with the United Nations’ International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, emphasising the spirit of multicultural exchange—a value that aligns perfectly with Cambridge’s inclusive and diverse character. Such cultural events not only enhance understanding and connections between communities but also inject a more vibrant and dynamic atmosphere into Cambridge.

The bilingual Chinese-English cultural stage featured continuous performances throughout the day, blending traditional music with street dance, ink wash dance with British folk songs, and Chinese and British artists presenting a flowing cultural tapestry of ‘tradition and modernity,’ ‘East and West.’

Emma, a local resident, took a bite of a steaming dumpling and exclaimed in surprise, ‘This taste is amazing—it completely overturns my imagination of Chinese cuisine!’ Tom, a Cambridge University student, was captivated by the paper-cutting art: ‘This is not just a cultural skill; it’s living poetry.’ Many children at the scene asked their parents about the meaning of the dragon-head decorations, sparking a subtle cross-cultural educational experience that blends learning with fun.

‘Hello! China · 2025 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival’ is not only a sports and cultural extravaganza but also a multi-dimensional narrative centred on ‘civilisational dialogue.’ Taking Cambridge as its stage, dragon boats as its catalyst, and art as its medium, it sends a strong signal of civilisational integration and mutual understanding across the globe.

As the event’s theme advocates: ‘Dialogue · Kindred Spirits,’ under the sunlight of today’s Cambridge, amidst the drumbeats and paddle shadows, Chinese culture and world civilisations listen to each other, resonate, and harmonise. Culture knows no borders, and dragon boats serve as a bridge of hearts. This dialogue of civilisations continues.