Ly Son Dragon Boat Racing - Four sacred animal boat racing (Dragon-Unicorn-Turtle-Phoenix) on Ly Son Island seas for New Year fishermen blessings.

The Ly Son Dragon Boat Racing Festival, also known as the Tu Linh (Four Sacred Animals) boat racing, is a century-old cultural event held on Ly Son Island during the Lunar New Year (Tet). Officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, it is a deeply spiritual and communal celebration where locals pray for peace, favorable weather, and a bountiful harvest.

The festival dates back to 1826 and carries profound historical and patriotic significance. It originated as a way to honor the island's ancestors and pay tribute to the heroic Hoang Sa (Paracel) flotilla—the brave local sailors and militia who journeyed the seas to establish and protect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos.

Activities at the festival:

The Tu Linh Boat Race: The centerpiece of the festival is a massive, high-stakes boat race held on the sea near the island. It draws large crowds of cheering spectators, transforming the island into a vibrant and festive hub during the first few days of the lunar year.

The Four Sacred Animals: The race features eight spectacular boats, each elaborately decorated and carved by local artisans. The boats feature the heads and tails of the four mythical creatures (Tu Linh): the Dragon (Long), Qilin (Ly), Tortoise (Quy), and Phoenix (Phung), which symbolize strength, prosperity, and longevity.

Fierce Competition: The race involves eight dedicated teams (representing the sacred animals from both An Vinh and An Hai communes). The participants are carefully selected, consisting of the most healthy, strong, and highly skilled local fishermen, making the race both a display of physical endurance and a proud community tradition.