What makes this program special?
Dragon Boat Culture Exchange organizes fully curated cultural immersion journeys to China, bringing a gtroup pf participants back to the birthplace of dragon boat racing. Each 11 day program is carefully planned from start to finish and includes round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, daily meals, professional training sessions, race participation, cultural workshops, and guided heritage visits. Participants receive first row access to authentic dragon boat traditions, paddling on historic rivers, connecting with local teams, and learning directly from elite national athletes and coaches. For $3,800, this comprehensive experience offers far more than travel. It is a rare opportunity to reconnect with history, deepen cultural understanding, and become part of the global dragon boat community.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
Day 2
Historic River Training
Day 3
Local League Experience
Day 4
Cultural Heritage Exploration
Day 5
Elite Team Exchange
Day 6
Advanced On Water Training
Day 7
Innovation & Creative Experience
Day 8
Waterway Immersion
Day 9
Illuminated Dragon Boat Night Paddle
Day 10
Leadership & Community Engagement
Day 11
Cultural Exploration & Departure
Morning Activity: Arrival in China and airport transfer
Afternoon Activity: Welcome ceremony at dragon boat base and orientation tour
Evening Activity: Welcome dinner with local hosts
Highlights: Meet professional coaches and experience your first cultural immersion session
Morning Activity: Dragon Boat Glide Training on historic waterways
Afternoon Activity: Technique workshop focusing on balance and synchronization
Evening Activity: Team reflection session
Highlights: Train where dragon boat culture has thrived for centuries
Morning Activity: Warm-up and preparation for local race event
Afternoon Activity: Participate or observe local dragon boat league race
Evening Activity: Awards banquet and cultural celebration
Highlights: Experience authentic competition surrounded by drumbeats and community spirit
Morning Activity: Visit traditional dragon head craftsmanship workshop
Afternoon Activity: Guided session on Dragon Boat Festival history and Qu Yuan legacy
Evening Activity: Group cultural exchange dinner
Highlights: Deepen understanding of symbolism and heritage behind the sport
Morning Activity: Visit national professional dragon boat training center
Afternoon Activity: Technical exchange with professional athletes and coaches
Evening Activity: Independent team strategy session
Highlights: Observe high performance training standards and advanced techniques
Morning Activity: Extended water practice session with local champions
Afternoon Activity: Flow Paddling and precision turning drills
Evening Activity: Community networking dinner
Highlights: Strengthen teamwork, rhythm, and race strategy
Morning Activity: Visit dragon boat cultural innovation center
Afternoon Activity: Hands-on dragon boat themed creative workshop
Evening Activity: Cultural performance and exchange night
Highlights: Blend tradition with modern creativity
Morning Activity: Paddle through traditional canal systems
Afternoon Activity: Village cultural tour and regional cuisine experience
Evening Activity: Free exploration time
Highlights: Experience dragon boat culture within local daily life
Morning Activity: Technical review and light conditioning session
Afternoon Activity: Rest and preparation
Evening Activity: Illuminated Dragon Boat Night Paddle experience
Highlights: A unique evening session focused on rhythm, trust, and atmosphere
Morning Activity: Roundtable discussion with local dragon boat associations
Afternoon Activity: Youth mentorship and leadership workshop
Evening Activity: Farewell banquet
Highlights: Build long term cross cultural partnerships
Morning Activity: Visit historic landmarks and heritage sites
Afternoon Activity: Shopping and cultural district exploration
Evening Activity: Airport transfer and departure
Highlights: Conclude your journey with deeper cultural understanding