Lhasa celebrated the 2025 Xizang Autonomous Region Dragon Boat and Yak-Skin Boat Race on May 31, marking a significant moment in sports history.

Over 25,000 spectators gathered along the Binhe Park waterway, cheering as teams competed in a breathtaking high-altitude setting. The World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) officially recognized the event as the highest-altitude dragon boat race in the world, awarding Xizang its newest world record.

This year's event saw remarkable growth, with 10 dragon boat teams and 20 yak-skin boat teams made up of 160 competitors. In addition to the thrilling races, the event featured Tibetan intangible cultural heritage exhibits, further enriching the festival.

Yak-skin boats, once a crucial mode of transportation in Xizang, have evolved into a dynamic part of local sporting culture. The yak-skin boat dance was listed among the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage items in 2008.

One local expressed his excitement: "It's an honor to bring our village's yak-skin boats to a wider audience. Through races and performances, we are keeping our history alive while creating new opportunities for our community."