HARBIN: Students from leading universities in China and the United Kingdom took part in a first-of-its-kind ice dragon boat race in Harbin, highlighting growing youth exchanges and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The inaugural HIT–Cambridge–Oxford Cup Ice Dragon Boat International Friendship Race was held on Saturday on the frozen Songhua River in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. The event brought together 14 teams from University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harbin Institute of Technology, as well as universities from Hong Kong and Macao.
Unlike traditional dragon boat racing on water, the ice version requires competitors to propel their boats across solid ice using ice picks, placing greater emphasis on upper-body strength and coordination. Participants said the freezing conditions and unfamiliar technique made the race both challenging and memorable.
Several teams from overseas universities competed for the first time in ice dragon boating, with organizers describing the event as an opportunity for cultural exchange alongside sport. In addition to the race, visiting students took part in cultural activities in Harbin, including visits to ice-and-snow attractions and local landmarks.
Promoting youth exchange through sport
The race was initiated by Harbin Institute of Technology as a platform to connect the rowing traditions of Oxford and Cambridge with China’s winter sports culture. University officials said the event was designed to encourage mutual learning and deepen cooperation among young people.
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Officials from China’s education sector said the race aligns with broader efforts to expand international exchanges in education, combining sports, culture, and academic engagement. They added that such events can help build long-term links between universities and foster greater understanding among students.
Participants from both sides expressed interest in continuing exchanges, including the possibility of holding future competitions in the United Kingdom with Chinese universities taking part.
Organizers said the ice dragon boat race reflects how sports and cultural activities can serve as a bridge for youth engagement, contributing to closer ties between Chinese and British academic communities.
