Serious efforts displayed during the competition. Haihe River 2019. [Photo by Bruce Connolly/chinadaily.com.cn]

When I arrived in Tianjin several days before the official start on Friday, a full-scale Dragon Boat sat on display within the Shangri-La's main lobby, with including program details of the event. A short walk led down from the hotel to the Baoding Bridge and the riverbanks, where I spent an afternoon documenting preparations, such as hospitality stands for spectators and team booths being set up. Gantries of colored lights were assembled alongside temporary stages and landing jetties floating on the waters. Gathered almost below Daguangming Bridge several boats that would carry competitive teams were prepared and berthed, offering a great opportunity for pre-event photography.