Paddlers from world famous universities gathered on July 17 by a river in Hangpu district, Guangzhou to battle it out in a canoe race, as the "Huangpu Silk Road" Regatta of World Leading Universities kicked off.

The students hailed from Oxford University and Cambridge University in the UK, Monash University in Australia, as well as other top schools in China and around the world.

Paddlers carry their boat to the river for the race. [Photo/ycwb.com]

Huangpu is the origin of Maritime Silk Road culture, and the pioneering and innovative spirits are also the spirits of Huangpu district and the Guangzhou Development District. The canoe race will fully reflect these spirits, said Mou Zhiping, head of Huangpu district's publicity department, while addressing the crowd.

The event emphasized the principles of teamwork, coordination, and inclusiveness. It will be followed with a dragon boat race, and the integration of both Eastern and Western cultures will bring about great achievements in the future, said Wang Shi, honorary life president of the Asian Rowing Federation.

Paddlers board their canoe. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The launch ceremony for the event is held in Guangzhou's Huangpu district on July 17. [Photo/ycwb.com]