Friendships flow

Marianne Radu knew the story behind Chinese dragon boat racing even before she started doing the sport herself. Thanks to her mother, a China enthusiast from France, Radu took Chinese classes at school at age 14 and later at the Confucius Institute in Reims, France. It was in these classes that Radu learned the Chinese language — and Chinese folk stories.

Moving to Stuttgart, Germany, in 2022, Radu was surprised to find a dragon boat team there. And she joined it without hesitation.

Already adept at kayaking, Radu quickly picked up the techniques of dragon boat racing. And the ancient Chinese sport's differences with kayaking led to even more fascination.

"Kayaking is a pretty lonely sport. But with dragon boat racing, I've got to know so many new people," said the 21-year-old. "I love it when we row together because I know that everyone else is doing their best, which also brings out the best in me. I like the group energy."

She also enjoys telling her German teammates about the history of Chinese dragon boat racing. "I'm a big advocate of Chinese culture," said Radu. "And I think things like dragon boat racing are good starting points to introduce Chinese culture to German people."

Radu is now studying at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. In March, she joined the Beijing International Dragon Boat Team. After teaching so many others about Chinese culture, now she gets to be the "student" again, learning more about it from her many Chinese teammates.

For example, in their conversations, Radu picked up some Chinese expressions that she had never learned in textbooks. While dining together after their weekly training, her teammates would explain Chinese table manners to her. And last month when she went to Liaocheng, Shandong province, to compete in a race with the team, she got to see traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances at the opening ceremony.

"I have my team to thank for all these experiences," said Radu. "More clubs like this are needed when it comes to promoting cross-cultural exchange."