On-site scene. Photo by Liu Mancang.

 On January 17, 2026, the Wulie River ice venue in Chengde, Hebei Province resounded with deafening drums and throngs of spectators. 

The Royal Ice and Snow · Dragon Roars in Rehe 2025-2026 Ice Dragon Super League (Chengde Stop) grandly opened.

Marking the first time this iconic ice sports event has landed in Chengde, the league provides a high-level competitive stage for ice dragon 

boat athletes from across the country. Leveraging Chengde’s profound historical culture and unique winter tourism resources, it has created 

a comprehensive ice gala integrating sports competition, royal cultural experience and winter tourism consumption. It stands as a vivid Chengde 

practice illustrating the concept that ice and snow mountains are invaluable gold and silver mountains.

Guided by the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation and China Culture Industries Promotion Association, the event is hosted by the Dragon 

Boat Culture Professional Committee of China Culture Industries Promotion Association and Hebei Provincial Sports Bureau, and undertaken by 

Chengde Municipal Sports Bureau.

It has attracted 22 open-category teams from Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Tianjin, Beijing, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Hebei, Jilin, Anhui, Guangdong, 

Heilongjiang, Hong Kong of China, together with 19 local teams from Chengde. Nearly 600 athletes gathered in Rehe to compete in three events: 

the 200-meter straight race for 12-person ice dragon boats, the 100-meter straight race for 5-person ice dragon boats, and the highly challenging 

400-meter drifting turn race for 12-person ice dragon boats, demonstrating the perfect combination of strength, skill and teamwork.

The opening ceremony was held in a solemn and vibrant atmosphere. Luo Zhongyi, President of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation and 

President of the Dragon Boat Culture Professional Committee of China Culture Industries Promotion Association, along with relevant leaders from 

Hebei Provincial Sports Bureau and Chengde Municipal authorities, attended the event to inaugurate the league. Splendid warm-up performances 

skillfully integrated rich ethnic customs with ice and snow passion, instantly enlivening the entire venue.

On-site scene. Photo by Zhang Yuqiao.

During the competition, the frozen surface of the Wulie River became the center of speed and passion. Holding ice poles in their hands,

the athletes forged ahead together on the ice following thunderous drumbeats. Splashing ice crystals fully displayed the beauty of strength. Outside the venue, the event has been deeply integrated into Chengde’s urban identity, striving to build a unique city brand known for ice

dragon boat racing. As a highlight of the "Travel with Events" program, the organizing committee specially arranged free visits for participating

athletes to renowned scenic spots including the Chengde Mountain Resort and Puning Temple, world cultural heritage sites. Apart from

intense competitions, athletes experienced the profound imperial garden art and religious cultural heritage of Chengde in an immersive way,

creating an in-depth dialogue between modern sports spirit and ancient historical civilization. The successful conclusion of this event marks a new stage for the integrated model of sports, cultural tourism and consumption of the Ice

Dragon Super League. It has effectively activated Chengde’s winter tourism market and stimulated local consumption in catering, accommodation,

transportation and other related industries. Furthermore, it has innovated forms of national winter fitness activities, allowing traditional dragon boat

culture to gain new vitality in ice and snow environments. This event is not only a high-level ice sports competition, but also a successful practice of urban cultural promotion and winter economic

stimulation. It demonstrates Chengde’s determination and achievements in developing ice and snow economy and promoting in-depth integration

of sports, culture and tourism according to its own resource advantages. It provides another nationwide example of boosting tourism through competitions,

enriching culture through tourism, and realizing coordinated development of sports and culture. With the continuous holding of the Ice Dragon Super League, ice dragon boat racing, a sport combining tradition and modernity with both competitiveness

and ornamental value, is becoming an important engine for regional development, inheritance of Chinese civilization and inspiring public enthusiasm for ice and snow sports.