A foreign participant finishes the swimming portion of an international triathlon competition in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province on Oct 27. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

An international triathlon competition was held in Shengzhou, a county-level city in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on Oct 27, attracting more than 500 participants from 20 countries and regions around the world. 

A triathlon is a multisport race consisting of swimming, cycling, and long-distance running. 

The competition included a 1.5-kilometer swimming section, a 40km cycling section and a 10km running section, and gave participants the chance to enjoy some of the charming scenery and urban landscapes of Shengzhou.

German participant Peter Wolkowicz won the championship. He has a history of winning international triathlon championships and is no stranger to China. He said his main goal this time around was to experience the unique folk culture of Shengzhou.

Shengzhou has been a place of great historic and cultural interest since ancient times, and is home to many calligraphy works, poems, paintings, sculptures and musical works. It is also the birthplace of Yue Opera and is famous worldwide for its delicious snacks and tea.

With a series of cultural and sports events such as the triathlon competition, Shengzhou is trying to further enhance its global image and promote traditional Chinese culture, said local authorities. 

After the competition, participants also got to enjoy some local snacks and Yue Opera.

A foreign participant is the first to reach the finish line first in the long-distance running portion of an international triathlon competition in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province on Oct 27. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]