Dragon boat racing is a traditional Chinese folk water sports and entertainment activity that has been passed down for over two thousand years, usually held during festive holidays. It is a team rowing competition involving multiple participants.

Historical records indicate that dragon boat races originated as a way to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. Thus, dragon boat racing is not only a sport and entertainment activity but also embodies the spirit of patriotism and collectivism in people's hearts.

The legend that dragon boats originated in the northwestern part of Hunan's Yuanling has gained popularity in recent years. In the book "Yuanling's Thousand Years of Dragon Boats," which reflects the profoundness of Chinese dragon boat culture and the historical origins of Yuanling's dragon boats, there are 104 insightful essays by writers and scholars on Yuanling's dragon boats.

These articles scientifically and systematically argue for the origin of the traditional Yuanling dragon boat, and record the scale of participants and the construction of the boats in Yuanling dragon boat activities. The Yuanling dragon boat originated over 5,000 years ago, making it over 3,000 years older than the legend commemorating Qu Yuan.