International rafting competition kicks off at Chaotianhou
2025-07-06 19:07:00
By Chen Zai
The 2025 China Yichang Chaotianhou Natural Waters International Rafting Competition was held yesterday in Xingshan County. More than 2,000 athletes and rafting enthusiasts from across China took part in the event.
The event features both regional team races and individual team competitions, each involving two-person rafts racing over 6 kilometers. It also features family group competitions, offering a more relaxed 4.7-kilometer tunnel route for four-person teams.
Chaotianhou Rafting Scenic Spot in Yichang’s Xingshan County features 6.5 km of rapids and a 148-meter drop among striking natural scenery. Named after its hound-shaped peaks, the site has hosted 11 international rafting competitions since 2012.
"The rapids are thrilling, the service is excellent, and the air quality is great. I definitely want to come back!" Lang Yulin, an athlete from Chongqing said after the competition.
Since 2007, the scenic area has attracted over 5 million rafters. In 2024, it introduced tunnel rafting, adding to its existing daytime and nighttime rafting to create a unique "Three Rafts in One Day" experience.
The 2025 China Yichang Chaotianhou Natural Waters International Rafting Competition was held yesterday in Xingshan County. More than 2,000 athletes and rafting enthusiasts from across China took part in the event.
The event features both regional team races and individual team competitions, each involving two-person rafts racing over 6 kilometers. It also features family group competitions, offering a more relaxed 4.7-kilometer tunnel route for four-person teams.
Chaotianhou Rafting Scenic Spot in Yichang’s Xingshan County features 6.5 km of rapids and a 148-meter drop among striking natural scenery. Named after its hound-shaped peaks, the site has hosted 11 international rafting competitions since 2012.
"The rapids are thrilling, the service is excellent, and the air quality is great. I definitely want to come back!" Lang Yulin, an athlete from Chongqing said after the competition.
Since 2007, the scenic area has attracted over 5 million rafters. In 2024, it introduced tunnel rafting, adding to its existing daytime and nighttime rafting to create a unique "Three Rafts in One Day" experience.
In 2024, the introduction of tunnel rafting, alongside the existing daytime and nighttime rafting experiences, offers adventurers the unique opportunity to enjoy "Three Rafts in One Day."
In recent years, Xingshan County has leveraged the Yichang-Xingshan High-Speed Railway to boost seasonal tourism with spring flower viewing, summer rafting, autumn fruit picking, and winter skiing. In the first half of 2025, the county attracted over 7 million visitors, generating 4.60 billion yuan (US$641.4 million) in tourism revenue, a nearly 27 percent growth year-on-year.
Reporter Wan Chunfeng and Correspondent Yang Xue contributed to this story and provided the photos.
