Sanya hosts magical mermaid dance-off as enchantment comes to life

On a moonlit night, you gaze out over the serene sea, and suddenly, you spot a woman who seems to be struggling in the water. With a rush of adrenaline, you sprint toward the shore, shouting that you're coming to rescue. Yet, she doesn't respond. You take a few more steps forward, only to watch as she dives beneath the waves, exposing her tail along the way. You freeze, trying to comprehend what you've just seen: a mermaid.

Of course, this scene comes from a vivid dream, heavily influenced by your childhood fascination with the enchanting Ariel from Disney's "The Little Mermaid," an animation you've watched countless times. But what if you could actually see "real" mermaids, marveling at their stunning movements as they compete against one another?

That fantasy came to life on Thursday at the 2024 China Mermaid Open Grand Final and the inaugural Asia Cup, hosted at Atlantis Sanya in Hainan. Transforming the ethereal beauty of mermaids gliding gracefully through the water into a competitive sport is nothing short of groundbreaking. This event drew over 70 athletes from various countries and regions, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Liu Qing, the Department Minister of the China Water Sports Administration, shared her insights with CGTN's Shen Xiang, noting that events like this offer more than just a visual feast and thrilling athletic competition; they have a profound impact that reaches far beyond the sport itself.

"Through competitions like this, we hope more people are being introduced to diving, which helps promote the development of marine culture and water sports," said Liu. "Our audience base is growing rapidly, enabling more individuals to understand the ocean and contributing to China’s vision of becoming a maritime powerhouse. This sport is not just an athletic endeavor; it also carries the mission of fostering cultural exchange, educating the public about marine knowledge, and nurturing young talent in marine sciences.”

So, the next time you find yourself drifting into a deep slumber, you might dream not only of Ariel but also of the mesmerizing dance-off between the mermaids of Sanya, bringing your fantasy to life in the most enchanting way.