The Luojia-Ruhr dragon boat team competes in Duisburg's Inner Harbour on June 13.

The Luojia-Ruhr dragon boat team, a collaboration between Wuhan University's (WHU) dragon boat team and local participants from the Confucius Institute Metropole Ruhr, made a remarkable debut at the 25th Dragon Boat Fun Regatta in Duisburg's Inner Harbour on June 13.

The team stood out among 133 competitors, securing an impressive sixth place after four rounds of intense racing.

Luojia represents Wuhan University, while Ruhr symbolizes the Ruhr region, home to the University of Duisburg-Essen, highlighting the sister city relationship between Wuhan and Duisburg.

Chinese and German team members worked together, striving for excellence on the racecourse, while exchanging training experiences and sharing stories about campus life off the course, fostering mutual understanding and building friendships.

The German participants have been involved in cultural activities and have a keen interest in Chinese culture and language, with some having visited China, which has deepened their appreciation for the culture.

Tang Yifu, head of the WHU dragon boat team, emphasized the special significance of participating in an international dragon boat race. As the boat glided through Duisburg's Inner Harbour, cheers and applause from the shore made the team feel they were not just competing but also showcasing traditional culture and the spirit of Chinese youth.

The event also featured a "Chinatown" cultural experience area, offering interactive activities such as ink painting, calligraphy, quizzes, and traditional demonstrations of qi gong, tai chi, and kung fu.

The Confucius Institute Metropolis Ruhr, a collaborative effort between the two universities, has long been dedicated to promoting cooperation between China and Germany in language, education, culture, and youth exchanges.