On Aug 23-24, the first "Qianshan River Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Open" unfolded along the serene waters of the Qianshan River in Xiangzhou district, Zhuhai.

The competition featured two primary categories (Open and U15 Youth Group) and three disciplines: men's/women's 200-meter sprint, 1,000-meter technical race, and four-person team dragon board racing. Nearly 100 athletes from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area competed, drawing thousands of spectators.

The event features three highlights:

1. All-Ages Engagement: Participants ranged from 8 to 65 years old, with teenagers comprising over 30 percent of the total. The top three finishers in individual and team events received prizes sponsored by Decathlon and Vitara, with a maximum cash prize of 1,000 yuan ($138.89).

2. Professional Excellence: The 200-meter straight sprint tested explosive power, while the 1,000-meter technical race challenged athletes' core control and maneuvering skills around multiple buoys, balancing professional standards with spectator appeal.

3. Community Integration: Aligned with a "Water Conservation Month," the event incorporated river clean-ups, a "Recycling Market" for sports equipment reuse, and free paddleboard yoga sessions, deepening the integration of sports and tourism.

As a key initiative by Xiangzhou to promote public fitness and cultural tourism, the event highlighted its ecological commitment through green practices, provided a platform for youth sports exchange in the Greater Bay Area, and showcased the restored beauty of the Qianshan River, emphasizing harmonious urban-waterfront coexistence. Looking ahead, Xiangzhou plans to further develop water sports events like SUP and rowing, driving the "event economy" and reinforcing Zhuhai's identity as a youthful and dynamic city.