Contestants compete in a paddle board race held in Nanxun Ancient Town in Huzhou on Aug 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A national paddle board race attended by more than 280 contestants from across China was held in Nanxun Ancient Town in Huzhou on Aug 22, according to local media reports. 

Paddle board has been swiftly gaining in popularity in recent years, with tens of millions of athletes from around the world taking part in the sport.

By virtue of its advantageous location in Jiangnan, the region south of the Yangtze River, Nanxun, an ancient water town, held its first paddle board race last year.

This year's race, which lasted for two days, consists of an obstacle challenge, a 5-km river course race, and a sprinting race.

The contestants came from 10 contest divisions in China after beating over 1200 entrants across the nation. The race started from Qingping Bridge and passes many major scenic sites in the towns.

The Nanxun district authorities said more efforts will be made to improve local waters and optimize water sports services so as to promote the integrated development of sports and tourism in the district.