Wang Xiao, who won the family group category, said the event was a perfect way to spend a weekend with family. "Changjiang is a national civilized city, with not only beautiful sceneries but also with genuinely hospitable locals," Wang said.

The competition is part of Changjiang's broader effort to integrate sports, culture and tourism. The Shayutang community, a popular tourist destination, gained social media fame after being featured on reality shows Back to Field Season 6 and Let's Go Season 6.

Competitors experienced both the thrill of water sports and the area's fishing village culture and coastal scenery.

A spokesperson for the Changjiang tourism and culture department said the county is using the model of combining events with tourism to offer visitors more diverse cultural and travel experiences. In anticipation of the upcoming National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period, Changjiang will launch eight additional cultural, tourism and sports activities, combining music, scenic attractions and athletic events to enrich visitors' experience.