With water splashing and paddles rowing, a great game, the China Nepal Plateau Dragon Boat Friendship Race, kicked off on June 15th in the small town Lulang of Nyingchi City, Xizang. Dragon boat teams from Nepal and Singapore and many Chinese local teams have come together to pursue their sporting dream here at the foot of Mountain Namcha Barwa.

Ready, Go! Dragon boats shoot out when the whistle blew. Under the cotton-like vast clouds and on the still green water of Zhatanglu lake, dragon boats in game accelerated gradually and finally to the full speed!14 teams and over 230 players pushed the envelope at high altitudes. It’s not only a test for physical capability, techniques and cooperation, but also a declaration of human courage and will power.

“It’s too hard, like the oxygen has run out!” A player of team Nepal said. He and his team members have driven 4 days to get here and were still recovering from altitude sickness. Yet they engaged in the competition immediately despite the uncomfortableness, and they have done a good job.

China Nepal Plateau Dragon Boat Friendship Race is one of the important event of 2025 Xizang Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games. The winning teams would not only get their trophies and award certificates, but also a total of 16,5000 yuan prize money.

It’s also a feast for cultural integration and friendship. Teams from Nepal and Singapore were invited not only to compete with their Chinese counterparts, but also to further enhance cultural exchanges between countries. The dragon boats became cultural ambassadors and friendship was deepened during fierce competitions on the lake and warm hugs and small talks afterwards. The event actually has built up a dialogue about sports, culture and friendship among every participant from different places.