China: Dragon boats propel growth of southern Chinese town.

Storyline Dragon boats propel growth of southern Chinese town China's traditional dragon boats are driving the economic growth of Jiujiang in the southern province of Guangdong. Known as "dragon boat town", Jiujiang is home to several factories that make the long, narrow, canoe-like vessels. Many are working overtime to finish orders ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival which falls on June 19th this year. Wu Pengjian, president, sports equipment company: "Our annual production capacity now is up to 1,000 dragon boats. Right now, we are working overtime every day to make the boats. We have orders not only from neighboring cities but also from Southeast Asia and Europe. At the same time, we have another 500 or 600 carbon fiber paddles to deliver simultaneously. Our races and training services have been scheduled into July." When races are held, the town’s hospitality industry also benefits from the sport. Lai Zicong, cafe owner: "Whenever there's a dragon boat race, many people would come to have coffee and enjoy the scenic views. Then our coffee sales will easily double those in normal times." Dragon boat racing is a team sport in which people row in a syncopated form to rapidly propel the boat forward. Although it originated in China, dragon boat racing is practiced in bodies of water all over the world. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]