Growing numbers take to water sports

As spring brings longer days and milder temperatures, urban dwellers are rediscovering the joy of outdoor activities. While running and cycling remain staples of Beijing's fitness scene, a quieter yet growing trend is unfolding on the water.

Against Beijing's iconic skyline, Chaoyang Park offers a rare urban oasis where colorful kayaks and paddle boards dot the lake as people embrace water sports.

"Even complete beginners like me can pick it up quickly, and the stunning views make for such a relaxing experience. I'll definitely bring friends and family next time," said one netizen on Dianping, a popular online review platform.

The rising tide of interest in water sports is driving demand for coaches, clubs and equipment, creating a host of new opportunities in this sector.

"We kicked off this year's boating season in March and expect to see 200 to 300 visitors per day during the summer peak," said Cheng Helong, founder of Beijing Whalesports Club, which offers kayaking, rowing, stand-up paddle boarding and various other water activities. With four bases operating across Beijing from March to October, the club expects to host around 30,000 participants this year.

"Since opening our first base in Chaoyang Park in 2018, we've seen a growing enthusiasm for water sports," Cheng said. "With support from national and local sports bureaus, we've organized multiple paddle board competitions to promote aquatic activities."

Near Chaoyang Park's paddle board hub, the Liangma River has become another popular water recreation spot for locals and visitors.

In 2019, Chaoyang district launched a waterfront vitalization project, transforming the river from a polluted, sediment-choked channel into a serene retreat for city dwellers.

While Beijing's water sports scene is on the rise, Shanghai, already a city deeply connected to its waterways, continues to expand its offerings.

The 2024 Head of Shanghai River Regatta, for instance, transformed the bustling downtown stretch of the Suzhou Creek into a 4.2-kilometer racecourse winding past centuries-old historical landmarks such as the Garden Bridge and Shanghai Postal Museum.

The event attracted elite rowing teams from around the world, including the British and Australian national teams, as well as crews from the University of Cambridge and Oxford Brookes University.

"Racing through Shanghai's city center was an incredible experience, the winding course was challenging, and the cheering crowds made it even more exciting. I'd love to return," said British rower Daniel after the race.

The event's impact extends beyond the sport itself. According to the Shanghai Sports Bureau, the 2024 Head of Shanghai River Regatta, along with the 2024 Shanghai Marathon and the 2024 Shanghai Sailing Open, generated direct economic benefits of 962 million yuan ($134 million).

This aquatic enthusiasm has gone viral. Kayaking-related hashtags on short-video platform Douyin have amassed nearly 1.2 billion views. The trend isn't limited to megacities.

Eight-year-old Wu Ze, who lives in Yongjing county, in the upper reaches of the Yellow River in Gansu province, began practicing paddle boarding last year.

"In winter, I can still practice after putting on warm clothes, and the Yellow River is just my theme park," Wu Ze said.

The boy's hard work paid off when he claimed the title in U9 group at the 2024 China stand-up paddling masters last July.

Building on young enthusiasts such as Wu Ze, China is using nationwide programs to nurture a new generation of water sports enthusiasts.

Last year, over 2,000 youths from more than 20 provinces and cities joined surfing, and paddle boarding camps organized by the Water Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China. Meanwhile, 79 universities have incorporated these activities into their curricula.

These national initiatives are being complemented by regional efforts. Jiangsu province, for instance, introduced guidelines last year to develop its water sports industry.

Key measures include improving public access through better facilities and specialized programs, boosting the market by integrating water sports with tourism and leisure activities, and promoting sustainable growth through better safety standards and government support.

According to the China Outdoor Sports Industry Development Report (2023-2024), more than one million people in China have purchased surfing and paddle boarding goods and services.

Xinhua