Originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and flourished in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), the dragon boating customs in Luodian has been kept alive and prosperous with long-lasting vitality and new charm despite upheavals over the past four hundred years.

Come in various sizes and styles, Chinese dragon boats tend to value racing functions. Luodian’s dragon boats, however, take a unique preference on the aesthetic and performance values. It is the first to be carved with single wood in exquisite details, and carries a cabin in the style of Ming Dynasty building "North Pole Pavilion". Later on, there are boats built with a pavilion-style cabin that is covered with brocades, flags and lights. Luodian dragon boat is famous for its small size and exquisite design. It has a float bottom and a shallow draft, making it suitable for the narrow rivers locally. The craftsmanship embodied by the boats captures the essence of shipbuilding, architecture, sculpture, brocade, embroidery, flag making, lighting, painting and calligraphy, all in one.

Accompanied by distinct music played by folk musical instruments, brightly dressed and well-trained, the rowers on several Luodian dragon boats lift anchors and oars start together. The boats go back and forth in circles and roundabouts when the rowers row, move, and lean back and forth to control the direction. On the bow, there are children dressed in costumes, who are commonly known as "stage colors" and "stage characters", to put up performances.

The dragon boating customs in Luodian during the Dragon Boat Festival carries forward the Chinese heritage and the characteristics of Wuyue culture. It is also a grand cultural event for the local people. Combine a sense of ancient charm with new modern features of the times; it becomes an iconic folk custom activity during Dragon Boat Festival in Shanghai.