2025 World Rowing Championships open in Qingpu

The opening ceremony of the 2025 World Rowing Championships at the Watertown Parlor. [Photo/WeChat ID: iloveqingpu]

The 2025 World Rowing Championships kicked off in spectacular fashion on Sept 21 at the Watertown Parlor in Qingpu district, Shanghai.

The opening ceremony wowed audiences with a blend of traditional and modern elements, highlighted by athletes arriving on traditional Chinese rowboats and a human-robot rowing performance.

The ceremony celebrated Shanghai's rich connection to water. Athletes from around the world made a stunning entrance on traditional Jiangnan rowboats, gliding down the Taipu River.

The venue for the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat ID: iloveqingpu]

The venue itself, a blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern design, provided a perfect backdrop for the event.

A highlight of the ceremony is the innovative human-robot rowing performance. [Photo/WeChat ID: iloveqingpu]

An innovative four-member human-robot rowing performance was given by three young athletes from Qingpu district's Youth Sports School and an intelligent rowing robot.

Rower Zhang Yu expressed his excitement: "Rowing with a robot was incredible! It was challenging, but we learned to adapt and synchronize perfectly."

This year marks the first time the World Rowing Championships have been held in China. The event attracted 1,203 athletes from 55 countries, including Olympic and world champions.

Participants record the opening performances. [Photo/WeChat ID: iloveqingpu]

Athletes celebrate the opening of the 2025 World Rowing Championships. [Photo/WeChat ID: iloveqingpu]