The 2026 World Rowing Coastal Championships opened on Oct 11 and runs until Oct 13 in Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA), gathering 194 elite athletes from 18 countries and regions for a world-class display of speed, endurance, and teamwork.

Set against the sparkling backdrop of Golden Beach, the opening day featured intense preliminary and final heats across multiple categories. The spotlight first fell on the women's single sculls, testing individual psychological resilience and rhythm control, followed by the dynamic women's coxed quadruple sculls and the highly synchronized men's double sculls. Cheering crowds lined the shores and free public viewing zones 15 meters from the finish line, amplifying the competitive intensity as teams pushed their limits across the coastal waters.

To enrich the visitor experience, authorities have curated exclusive tourism itineraries, including a half-day cinematic tour exploring the shooting location of the movie Operation Hadal and the Qingdao Movie Museum, alongside two immersive one-day routes connecting coastal landmarks like Tangdao Bay Park, the Shell Museum, and the scenic Dazhushan Mountain. This convergence of elite athletics, marine culture, and vibrant local tourism is set to deliver an unforgettable coastal celebration.

Rowing boats line the shoreline ahead of the race. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

Teams paddle relentlessly in a fierce, high-stakes battle along the course. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

The event's opening ceremony on Oct 11 at Qingdao WCNA. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]