Admiring the cultural charm of the “City of Four Grottoes” and witnessing thrilling races on the Ba River, the “Guangwushan Cup” 2026 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Marathon World Cup officially opened in Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, China, on May 23. As a prestigious international Category A water sports event, this marked the third time the tournament has been hosted in China and its first-ever appearance in Bazhong, Sichuan. During the two-day competition, 324 athletes from 41 countries and regions gathered along the Ba River, competing fiercely amid enthusiastic cheers from spectators lining the riverbanks.
On the morning of the opening ceremony, the Ba River shimmered under gentle breezes as crowds gathered in excitement. With the starting gun fired, the competition officially began. Athletes, full of determination and energy, competed intensely along the 19-kilometer natural watercourse. Canoes and kayaks sped across the river like arrows released from a bow as competitors paddled powerfully through every stage of the race. The event introduced an innovative transition format requiring competitors to keep constant contact with their boats throughout the race. In addition to long-distance paddling, athletes had to carry their boats ashore, sprint across land sections, and rapidly re-enter the water, placing comprehensive demands on endurance, speed, technique, and willpower. With race distances ranging from 3.4 kilometers to 19 kilometers, 36 competition categories, and 107 medals contested, the entire Ba River course delivered nonstop excitement and spectacular viewing moments.
The successful hosting of an international Category A event in Bazhong was no coincidence. Known as one of “China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Cities,” Bazhong enjoys a mild and pleasant climate in May, with average temperatures around 23°C. The Ba River section flowing through the city features a 19-kilometer natural watercourse characterized by calm currents, straight channels, and excellent water quality meeting China’s Class II surface water standards, offering ideal natural conditions for top-tier water sports competitions.
In recent years, Bazhong has also hosted a series of major water sports events, including the 2024 “Ba River Cup” Stand-Up Paddleboarding Invitational, the opening station of the 2025 China Canoe Marathon Open, and the China Stand-Up Paddleboarding Open. These events have enabled the city to accumulate extensive experience in event organization and establish a comprehensive event system integrating “water racecourses, riverside tracks, and urban parks.” Its professional event operation and support capabilities have earned high praise from international organizers.
The outstanding competition environment, meticulous event services, and enthusiastic atmosphere received unanimous acclaim from participating athletes. Chinese athlete Li Zaizhong commented after the race, “Bazhong boasts magnificent landscapes and beautiful scenery. The organizing committee delivered highly professional and thoughtful services, spectators were incredibly enthusiastic, and the racecourse design was excellent. It has been a truly wonderful competition experience.” International athlete Tim Muller also spoke highly of the city, saying, “Bazhong features unique architecture, picturesque landscapes, and a very comfortable climate. Competing and staying here has been an enjoyable experience.”
Leveraging the international attention generated by the event, Bazhong actively promoted an integrated development model combining “sports, culture, tourism, and commerce.” The city launched new direct transportation routes connecting the airport and high-speed railway stations to the competition venue, while upgrading riverside landscapes and supporting infrastructure. Innovative “ticket stub plus” initiatives linked major attractions such as Guangwu Mountain, Nuoshui River, and Enyang Ancient Town, accompanied by cultural and tourism consumption vouchers. Around the venue,specialty markets, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and public-benefit sales areas showcased local specialties including Qingjiang sesame products, Tongjiang white fungus, and Nanjiang yellow goat products. Traditional folk arts such as dough sculpture performances further immersed visitors in the unique charm of Bazhong.
A single sporting event has energized an entire city, presenting Bazhong’s image as an open, vibrant, and progressive city to audiences across China and around the world. Although the competition may conclude, its impact and opportunities for development will continue. Following the event, Bazhong will further accelerate projects such as the Ba River Water Sports Center and the World Cup-themed Sports Park. Existing racecourses, docks, and supporting facilities will be preserved and upgraded into permanent water sports training bases and public fitness spaces. Regular canoeing and paddleboarding training programs will also be introduced to support Bazhong’s development into a premier destination for outdoor sports.
With every paddle stroke cutting through the waves, Bazhong is embracing a promising future. The successful hosting of the “Guangwushan Cup” 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Cup (Bazhong, China) represents a vivid example of the city’s strategy of “empowering urban development through sporting events.” The competition has not only enhanced Bazhong’s international profile, but also injected strong momentum into its high-quality development. Looking ahead, Bazhong will continue strengthening its water sports event brands, promoting deeper integration between sports, cultural tourism, and urban development, and transforming the popularity generated by major events into lasting momentum for sustainable growth, while writing a new chapter for a dynamic, open, and thriving Bazhong in the new era.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/u7zNVqhQT0w