Canoe marathon finals excite Yangzhou

Excitement filled the air as the finals of the thrilling 2024 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series took place from Nov 16 to 17 at the picturesque Seven Rivers and Eight Islands scenic area of Yangzhou, Jiangsu province.

Participants compete in the 2024 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series finals on the Taiping River in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]

Over 200 participants from across the country, categorized into professional and mass groups, competed fiercely in the 200m and 500m short-distance races, as well as the 8km long-distance races along the stunning Taiping River, adjacent to the Yangzhou Deep Dive Grand Canal Center within the scenic area.

Zhu Zixuan, hailing from the Water Sports Center in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, couldn't help but marvel at the river's expansive track, flanked by breathtaking waterside landscapes and complemented by ideal wind conditions.

Local player Hu Jianghua beamed with pride, claiming, "I'm proud to participate in this national-level sporting spectacle right in my hometown. I hope more people will come to Yangzhou and discover the allure of the Grand Canal and the thrill of canoeing."

A competition scene at the 2024 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series finals on the Taiping River in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]

On the second day, eight outstanding individuals won championships in their respective kayak or canoe events, bringing the competition to its peak.

Seizing the momentum of this event, Yangzhou aims to attract more high-profile sports competitions, beckoning more athletes and tourists from across the country to explore the rich cultural tapestry of the Grand Canal.