The first Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes (X9 Alliance) Rowing League Around X-Lake Sciensity kicked off yesterday along the Dasha River in Nanshan District during a ceremony where the establishment of the X9 Alliance was also announced.

A total of 24 teams composed of 360 academicians, teachers, researchers and students from local universities and research institutes will compete in the races, putting Shenzhen's vigorous youth in the limelight.

Mao Junfa, president of Shenzhen University (SZU), the event’s organizer, said at a pre-race preparation meeting that as a first-tier city with regional and water resource advantages, Shenzhen’s preparation for the X9 Rowing League will help showcase the city’s first-class scientific and educational resources and beautiful ecological environment, and reflect its young spirit and vitality.

Cheerleaders from Peking University Shenzhen Gratitute School are seen on the bank of the Dasha River during the first Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes (X9 Alliance) Rowing League Around X-Lake Sciensity in Nanshan District yesterday. Photos by Sun Yuchen

Cheerleaders from Shenzhen University are seen on the bank of the Dasha River during the race yesterday.

Rowers representing Shenzhen University compete in the first Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes (X9 Alliance) Rowing League Around X-Lake Sciensity on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.

Rowers compete in the first Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes (X9 Alliance) Rowing League Around X-Lake Sciensity on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.

Cheerleaders from Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen are seen on the bank of the Dasha River during the race yesterday.

Rowers compete in the race on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.

Rowers compete in the race on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.

Rowers compete in the race on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.

Rowers of the Peng Cheng Laboratory team compete in the race on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.

Rowers of the Shenzhen University team react after winning the first Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes (X9 Alliance) Rowing League Around X-Lake Sciensity on the Dasha River in Nanshan District yesterday.