The first leg of the first-ever Chinese University Ice Dragon Boat Championship kicked off in Xilinhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Friday.

A total of 501 athletes from 18 universities and three cities have formed 85 teams to race in 24 events. The tournament moved dragon boat racing, a traditional Chinese sport, from water to ice to create a fun-filled winter sport that utilizes dragon boating techniques and ice skating mechanics.

(Cover photo: The first leg of the inaugural Chinese University Ice Dragon Boat Championship kicks off in Xilinhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, December 22, 2023. /Xinhua)