Chongqing - The spirit of Chongqing made waves in Europe as the Hechuan team from Chongqing clinched the elite mixed championship at the 33rd Egilsau International Dragon Boat Race, held from June 28-29 on the scenic Rhine River in Switzerland’s Zurich canton.
The annual event drew 76 teams and nearly 1,600 competitors from across Switzerland and beyond, transforming Egilsau into a vibrant festival of speed, teamwork, and cultural exchange.
The Hechuan team from Chongqing, China, claims the championship in the elite mixed category. (Photo provided by the Chongqing Hechuan team)
The Chongqing Hechuan team stood out with their outstanding performance and teamwork, earning enthusiastic applause and admiration from spectators and fellow competitors alike. "When our dragon’s head crossed the finish line and the drums of other teams still echoed behind us, we all cheered—we had won!" said Zheng Jiangling, captain of the women's squad. "It was an exhilarating moment. Finally, our five-star red flag could fly high over the Rhine."
The Hechuan team from Chongqing, China, paddles in the dragon boat race. (Photo provided by the Chongqing Hechuan team)
Egilsau Mayor Roland Ruckstuhl expressed pride in hosting the event and highlighted the cultural significance: "It means a lot to contribute to such a wonderful tradition brought to us from China. It’s truly fantastic to be part of it."
Felix Meier, chairman of the organizing committee, reflected on the event’s enduring appeal. "The fact that we can gather here for the 33rd time shows the passion, commitment, and tradition of dragon boat racing in Egilsau—values that have reached far beyond our own borders," he said.
Chinese deputy consul-general in Zurich, Yu Xiong, also attended the event, emphasizing the dragon boat race as a cherished Chinese tradition and a symbol of cultural connection. "Today, many cities around the world host their own dragon boat races. This is a testament to the tradition’s vitality and the mutual enrichment of different cultures," he remarked.
Zheng described the Swiss race atmosphere: "Swiss spectators are just as enthusiastic as those in China, but there's a unique warmth here. Every team gets cheered on, and when we returned to the dock, many people gave us high-fives and heartfelt congratulations. It's a mix of excitement and relaxation—quite different from the intense competitiveness we feel at home."
Athletes from different countries high-five each other. (Photo provided by the Chongqing Hechuan team)
Competing so far from home brought challenges. "For most of us, it was our first time traveling such a distance. Jet lag was tough, and we had to adjust from rice-based meals to local bread. But we respected Swiss customs and quickly adapted to the beautiful, wide Rhine—a perfect venue for dragon boat racing," she said.
Zheng expressed deep gratitude to the team's supporters. "Our journey to Switzerland was possible thanks to the strong support from the Hechuan District Government and everyone who helped us behind the scenes. Team spirit and encouragement from home were our greatest strengths."
The representatives of the Chongqing Hechuan team and the team from the Swiss-Chinese community in Zurich exchange jerseys with each other. (Photo provided by the Chongqing Hechuan team)
This year's race also featured local Swiss-Chinese participation, with the Zurich-based team joining the competition. This further emphasized the event's role as a bridge between cultures.
With their victory, the Chongqing team not only brought glory to their hometown but also strengthened international friendships, sharing the passion of dragon boat racing with the world.