Testing the depths of their character

International students also got a chance to dip their paddle into the current of tradition.

Taliesin Renouf, a British student from the University of Edinburgh on a one-year exchange program at Fudan University, participated in the 12th Shanghai International Students Dragon Boat Race.

For the Chinese studies major, whose teacher back in Edinburgh first explained the intricacies of the event, which is held traditionally to commemorate China's ancient poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), this was a moment to savor.

"When talking about my time in China I will be able to say I took part in a dragon boat race and explain the story behind it too," says Renouf. "I think it's very worthwhile."

Bound for glory

To prepare for the race, Renouf started training with the university's international boat team in April.

"One day, we decided to do the 15-minute push where we had to paddle for 15 minutes continuously. And if someone stopped, we added another one minute," says Renouf. "It was really difficult, but I think it helped everyone learn the importance of not stopping and working together, and through the training and races, I've made more friends."

His teammate Christopher Becker agrees. The German postgraduate student joined the team last year and was asked to practice paddling in a swimming pool during weekdays and on a real dragon boat at the weekend.

"You should extend your body forward, use your shoulders and sink your paddle into the water and take it out without splashing people behind you. There are a lot of details you should pay attention to," he says.

The 26-year-old once tried kayaking. When comparing the two water sports, he notes that fostering team spirit is a priority in dragon boating.

"The drummer, the steer person and the 18 paddlers on a dragon boat are a team, a unit," he says.

Liu's team won the first prize at a dragon boat race held for domestic colleges and universities in the Xixi Wetland National Park of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

"I'm proud of winning as most of our team members were freshmen and inexperienced. I felt the cohesion of the team and will always be touched by my teammates' passion, "says Liu, who also took on the mantle of team leader. "For instance, after heavy rain, when the boats we use for practicing and training were dirty, all the male team members would, without any prompting, clean them."