Rafting enthusiasts make a splash at Chaotianhou Natural River Rafting Competition

The 13th China Yichang Chaotianhou Natural River Rafting Competition took place in Xingshan County, Hubei province. [Photo by Li Yang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The 13th China Yichang Chaotianhou Natural River Rafting Competition took place in Xingshan County, Hubei province, over the weekend.

More than 2,000 rafting enthusiasts and over 800 teams took part in the gala event.

Co-organized by the Water Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, Hubei Provincial Sports Bureau and Yichang Municipal People’s Government, Yichang Bureau of Culture and Tourism and Xingshan County People’s Government served as hosts, with relevant local bodies providing support.

The competition was divided into three categories: Team Group, Open Group, and Family Group. Participants in the Team and Open divisions competed in two-person rafts on a 6.5-kilometer watercourse. Rankings were determined by the arrival time of the last participant in each group, with the fastest time winning out, testing speed and collaboration.

The family group employed four-person boats on a leisurely 4.7 km cave rafting route.

The 13th China Yichang Chaotianhou Natural River Rafting Competition took place in Xingshan County, Hubei province. [Photo by Li Yang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The starting gun fired at 9 am, sending dozens of boats into the surging rapids. Competitors rushed downstream racing fiercely for the lead.

After a morning of competition, the Henan Jianhua Sports team won the team title, Cao Shibin and Li Shuguang took first place in the Open Event, while Zhang Xiangyu and Zhang Chaojun claimed victory in the Family Event.

Chaotianhou is a National 4A-Level Scenic Area and a provincial tourist resort. Benefiting from abundant water resources, significant elevation changes, and excellent water quality, it has earned a reputation for providing "Top Rafting in Central China".

Since opening in 2006, the scenic area has welcomed more than eight million visitors and has become one of the most influential rafting tourism destinations in Central China.

The 13th China Yichang Chaotianhou Natural River Rafting Competition took place in Xingshan County, Hubei province. [Photo by Li Yang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Based on the launch of the "Dream Cave Rafting" feature project in 2024, the scenic area has invested another 138 million yuan ($20.4 million) this year to create the flagship new project "Waterfall Cave Rafting" that will highlight the spectacular Gaolan Waterfall with its vertical drop of 80 meters, while enjoying an immersive experience through springs and rapids.

Additionally, an 800-meter water entertainment zone has been built at the finishing point to enrich the visitor experience.

Currently, Chaotianhou Rafting Scenic Area has evolved into an all-round tourist destination integrating water sports, off-road activities, jungle adventures, study tours and night tours.