SHENZHEN, May 17 — The 2025 X9 Rowing League launched its fourth edition with a spectacular opening race on the scenic banks of the Maozhou River in Guangming District, Shenzhen. The event marked the beginning of a three-stage intercollegiate regatta series featuring top-tier institutions from the X9 Higher Education Alliance — a flagship initiative showcasing innovation, collaboration, and athletic excellence in the heart of the city's international science and education hub.
Opening Ceremony
Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKUSZ) stole the spotlight, clinching first place overall in the opening leg, thanks to strong performances across multiple race categories. The event also debuted a new women's eights category for student rowers, reflecting the league's commitment to expanding participation and inclusivity in collegiate sports.
Backed by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and supported by multiple city departments including the Education Bureau and Science and Technology Innovation Committee, the X9 League has become a high-profile sporting and cultural exchange platform. This year's host, PKUSZ, also serves as the rotating chair of the alliance.
Officials and Guests Sound the Horn Together
The regatta brought together over 300 rowers from nine leading institutions, including Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Southern University of Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. A total of 21 teams competed in four categories: men's, women's, mixed student eights, and an expert division.
Officials and Guests Sound the Horn Together
In addition to PKUSZ's top overall ranking, the school secured victories in the student mixed eights and expert division. Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School and Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) also delivered strong performances, taking home several podium finishes.
"The X9 Rowing League has become a vivid symbol of inter-university collaboration and Shenzhen's growing international reputation," said Tan Wenchang, Party Secretary of PKUSZ, during the opening ceremony. "It is a celebration of unity, perseverance, and the integration of education, research, and culture."
Education Bureau Deputy Director Qiu Chengyu highlighted the league as a strategic effort to foster athletic development alongside academic innovation. "By nurturing collaboration through competition, the X9 alliance is shaping a new brand for Shenzhen's higher education," he said.
Award Ceremony Scene
This year's regatta series will continue with races at Dasha River on June 29 and the University Town in November. International university teams are expected to join the next race, setting the stage for greater global exchange and competition.
With calm waters, blue skies, and powerful strokes cutting through the waves, the Maozhou River race was more than a contest of strength and speed — it was a powerful testament to Shenzhen's vision of becoming a world-class city for education, innovation, and sport.
PKU Shenzhen Rowing Team
