The 4th Belt and Road International Regatta opened on Nov 29 in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo by Bi Jiandong/China News Service]

Sixteen fleets from China, Germany and Singapore took to the water on Nov 29 for the 4th Belt and Road International Regatta in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The regatta, jointly organized by the Chinese Yachting Association, the Administration of Sport of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Beihai municipal people's government, has been held for three consecutive years in Beihai since 2019. Tours of the regatta were previously set up when it was held in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, but no such tours have been set up for this year's event in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sailors prepare to compete. [Photo by Zhai Liqiang/China News Service]

Interactive activities such as carnivals, outdoor camping, frisbee and surfing events have been arranged to attract youths and encourage more people to try sailing for themselves.

The Belt and Road International Regatta has injected new vitality into the development of Beihai's water sports and coastal leisure tourism industries, becoming a major platform for the city to bolster its image and reputation globally.