Chengdu Rowing Regatta Features International Universities

The 2026 Chengdu Open Rowing Regatta took place from October 1-2 in the Xinjin district of Chengdu, Sichuan province. The event attracted 37 teams, comprising around 270 rowers from both domestic and international backgrounds, marking the largest and most competitive field in its history.

The regatta, held along the Nanhe River during China's National Day holiday, was divided into university and open categories. The university division featured six teams from prestigious overseas institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Stanford, the University of Otago, and McGill University, competing against six Chinese university teams.

University teams competed in a mixed eight with coxswain over an 800-meter course and a newly introduced 3.3-kilometer pursuit race. The open category saw participation from 25 teams representing rowing clubs, schools, enterprises, and individual enthusiasts.

Xinjin, known for its long-standing boat racing traditions dating back to the Tang Dynasty, also hosted a cultural exchange program. This initiative aimed to blend local river culture with global trends, allowing international rowers to engage with traditional practices and local communities.