Intl canoe athletes compete in Yangzhou

The electrifying 2025 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series (Yangzhou Stop) took place from Nov 1 to 2. More than 312 athletes from 21 countries paddled through the waters of the Seven Rivers and Eight Islands scenic area in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province.

Athletes compete in the 2025 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series at the Seven Rivers and Eight Islands scenic area of Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.cn]

This year's edition was elevated to an international level, with a record-breaking number of participating countries and athletes, including 40 from overseas.

Participants paddle along the Taiping River at the Seven Rivers and Eight Islands scenic area in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.cn]

The competition was a grueling test of endurance and strength. The race section set on the vast and calm Taiping River covered a distance of 21 kilometers, with a 5.25-km course consisting of two round-trips, making it more challenging than the previous 7-km and 10-km courses.

A female athlete from Turkey who competed in Yangzhou for the first time praised the course enthusiastically and said she hopes to come again.

An aerial view of the 2025 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series at the Seven Rivers and Eight Islands scenic area of Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.cn]

Yangzhou's hosting of this international challenge demonstrates the city's influence in water sports and serves as a important opportunity to promote the integration of sports and cultural tourism.