On September 14th, the organizing committee of the 2026 Chengdu Open Rowing Regatta officially announced that, with the approval of the Chinese Rowing Association, the 2026 Chengdu Open Rowing Regatta will be held from October 1st to 2nd in the urban section of the Nan River in Xinjin District, Chengdu.

 

With the theme "Smart Tianfu, Rowing into the Future", this year's event will be comprehensively upgraded in event scale, competitive lineup, cultural exchange, and waterfront experience interaction. It will launch a "1+1+3+N" series of activities, namely 1 wonderful and concise opening ceremony, 1 high-level rowing challenge, 3 major themed side activities, and, in coordination with several key activities across Xinjin, create a National Day water sports gala for people to watch, enjoy, and participate in.

 

 

The 2026 Chengdu Open Rowing Regatta will have two major categories: the university group and the open group. At that time, 35 teams totaling about 260 Chinese and foreign rowers will compete.

 

In terms of competition format, the university division features a mixed coxed eight 800-meter straight-course sprint. A brand-new 3.3-kilometer pursuit race will be added in 2026, extending the course to nearly the entire urban stretch of the Nan River. Competitors will have to handle sprint speed, endurance, and mid-race tactics over a distance four times that of a traditional course.

 

 

The open division will feature men's and women's quadruple sculls 800-meter straight-course sprints. Both major divisions will hold heats on October 1st and finals on October 2nd.

 

This event embraces the National Day holiday, so watching the competition is also part of celebrating the holiday. During the event, a continuous lineup of activities will be held on both banks of the Nan River from day to night, offering residents and tourists a far more engaging and immersive experience.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: CRI Online