The Dragon Boat Festival got off to an early start on Sunday in Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, with a dragon boat race.

The festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Saturday, June 20 this year.

A large number of spectators stood along the riverside to catch all of the race action.

“It has always been fascinating every year, but even better this year. All the dragon boat racers are professional, that’s why it’s so fascinating,” said a spectator.

The dragon boat race brought together 42 teams, with six of them advancing to the final race.

In the end, the Jianshi Dragon Boat Team won the title in a time of one minute and 59.29 seconds.

“It’s hard for us to win the title. All the guys must work as one to make it,” said Mr. Su, a member of the champion team.

Up to Saturday, a series of dragon boat races will be held in more than 120 scenic spots in nine districts of Guangzhou, which will involve nearly 600 dragon boats.