This year is the 10th anniversary of the successful application of the Grand Canal of China as a World Cultural Heritage. The 2024 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series (Hangzhou) & Yangtze River Delta Water Sports Festival will kick off at the southernmost end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal on June 22-23. Elegant Hangzhou pays tribute to this world-renowned miracle project with vigorous sports games.

The 2024 Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Canoe Marathon Series is the rowing event with the longest distance in the world and the most participating boats in China. It is also the first time for China to hold the canoeing relay from north to south along the Grand Canal.

The Yangtze River Delta Water Sports Festival Carnival will be held in Canal Square. It fully embodies the 10th-anniversary celebration of the successful application of the Grand Canal as a World Cultural Heritage, displays the sports elements, and sets up a Sports Coolplay Area, Intangible Cultural Heritage Fair, Intellectual Challenge, Sports Dating Party, etc.