Spanish student trains for debut appearance in Qintong Boat Festival

Raul Sanchez Sanchez joins local boat racers to prepare for this year's Qintong Boat Festival. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

A Spanish student is making waves in Taizhou's Jiangyan district as he participates in local boat racing activities in preparation for this year's Qintong Boat Festival.

Raul Sanchez Sanchez, who is also known by his Chinese name Li Sangrao and is currently studying at Nanjing Polytechnic Institute, stands out as the first international participant to engage directly in this centuries-old folk tradition.

In recent days, Sanchez has been training on the waters of Hubei village in Qintong town alongside local pole boat racers.

Raul Sanchez Sanchez joins local boat racers to prepare for this year's Qintong Boat Festival. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Pole boat racing is one of the festival's signature events, serving not only as a test of physical strength and endurance but also emphasizing the importance of teamwork and precise technique. Racers must maintain a standing position throughout the race while propelling the boat using long poles over a demanding round-trip course, a challenge that surpasses the physical intensity found in many ordinary water sports.

Sanchez has been learning under the guidance of Tian Zhangyu, Party secretary of Hubei village and an experienced local boat racer. Tian has been patiently teaching him how to handle the pole, refine his posture and improve his coordination with teammates. Thanks to his intensive coaching, Sanchez showed rapid progress, with his training beginning to pay off after just half a day.

Sanchez tries local dishes. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Beyond the water, Sanchez has also been exploring Qintong's local traditions, enjoying the town’s signature breakfast and listening to stories about the history of the boat festival.