Shenzhen, June 29, 2025 — The second leg of the 4th X9 Rowing League kicked off with passion and power along the scenic Dasha River in Nanshan, Shenzhen. Hosted under the banner “Let the World Witness China,” the event brought together nearly 400 rowers from China and abroad, offering a dynamic showcase of athleticism, international exchange, and youthful spirit.

Racing in Progress

Guided by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and supported by the city’s Education Bureau, Culture and Tourism Bureau, and Science and Innovation Bureau, the X9 Rowing League is co-organized by Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKUSZ), along with the Nanshan and Guangming district governments.

A League with Global Reach

This year’s event saw unprecedented international participation. Top university rowing teams from Cambridge, Oxford, the University of Sydney, UC Berkeley, and more joined Chinese teams from PKU, Tsinghua, and SUSTech, among others. In total, 29 teams,including 56 international rowers from 7 countries,competed across four 800-meter sprint categories:

●Men's Eight (M8+)

lWomen’s Eight(W8+)

lMixed Coxed Eight (Mix8+)

lExpert Crew, Men’s Eight(M8+) / Mixed Coxed Eight (Mix8+)

Races were livestreamed via Shenzhen TV, Peking University’s official channels, and local platforms such as Innovation Nanshan, attracting over 420,000 online views.

Thrilling Moments from the Competition

Athletic Brilliance on the Water

As the early morning sun reflected off the Dasha River, athletes launched their sleek shells into shimmering waters. Oars sliced through waves in rhythm, propelling boats forward in powerful arcs. From the shore, cheers blended with the splash of blades, creating a symphony of speed, teamwork, and competitive energy.

In the Student Crew Men’s Eight, Cambridge claimed the gold, followed by Shenzhen University and Oxford.
In the Student Crew Women’s Eight, PKU Shenzhen and Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) took first and second.
In the Student Crew Mixed Eight, the University of Sydney placed first, with PKU Shenzhen and Tsinghua SIGS taking silver and bronze.
PKU Shenzhen also secured the championship in the Expert Eight, followed by the Shenzhen Institute of Technology–Advanced Institute joint team and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen).

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Award Ceremony Highlights

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PKU Shenzhen Rowing Team

Beyond the Race: A Festival of Innovation and Culture

Off the water, the regatta became a celebration of innovation and creativity. A mascot named “Yan Dudu” roamed the venue, while an AI-powered robotic barista brewed coffee for curious visitors. A land-based rowing carnival and a cultural bazaar featuring PKU’s creative brands added further excitement, making the event not only a competition but a community festival.

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Cultural and Tech Carnival at the Race Venue

A Window into Shenzhen’s International Spirit

The X9 Rowing League has become one of Shenzhen’s emerging cultural and athletic brands. As a platform that blends education, sports, and global dialogue, it continues to expand its “international circle of friends.” Through structured organization, elevated standards, and international participation, the league is evolving into a key platform for showcasing Shenzhen’s scientific, educational, and cultural strength.