On the morning of November 5, the Suzhou Center · Inter-City Lakes Cup 2015 Jinji Lake Sailing Race held a grand launching ceremony. Thus, the annual sailing race has once again set sail energetically in Suzhou. As the largest inland lake sailing race in China to date, this year's event is co-hosted by the Jinji Lake Urban Development Co., Ltd. of Suzhou Industrial Park, with strong support from the Jinji Lake Scenic Area — the only national AAAAA-level tourist attraction in China with a distinctive business and tourism character — and features the participation of nearly 300 domestic and international athletes.
Waterborne excitement with sails unfurled is matched by exciting activities on land. The "Affection for Jinji Lake? 2015 Sailing Photography Festival" has been launched, gathering hundreds of photographers at Jinji Lake who actively participated in this rare water sports photography gathering while also capturing the autumn beauty of Jinji Lake to their hearts' content. The Suzhou Center Cup "Children Painting Suzhou" painting competition, involving tens of thousands, is in full swing, with young artists across Suzhou creating artworks themed around "Oriental Water City, Water Lifestyle," using their innocent perspectives and brushstrokes to depict the charm of the water city of Suzhou and the joy of water sports. During the event, the main venue also hosts the "Magic Sail Market," where food, cultural creativity, lifestyle, and interactive booths offer the public a great spot to explore and enjoy.
Reporters at the scene observed that many citizens headed to the "Water Fun Carnival" area at Moonlight Wharf to book experiences such as kayaking and OP sailing. "I saw this activity on Tongcheng.com. I first paid one yuan to become a reserved audience member, then another 29 yuan to book a kayak experience. Today, I brought my grandson here to have fun and take a look — it’s really worth it!" said one citizen.
The Jinji Lake Urban Development Co., Ltd. of Suzhou Industrial Park had the honor of becoming a co-host of this year’s event. Co-hosting carries a different significance compared to simply sponsoring or lending a name; it reflects shared values and common goals, enabling a deep partnership. The Suzhou Center is developed by the Jinji Lake Urban Development Co., Ltd. of Suzhou Industrial Park and is located in the CBD core of Suzhou Industrial Park, closely connected to the Jinji Lake AAAAA-level scenic area. The strong support from Suzhou Center for the hosting of this sailing event not only demonstrates its exceptional strength and outstanding presence as a future urban commercial landmark but also vividly embodies Suzhou Center’s philosophy of "growing together with the city."
Since 2013, the Inter-City Lakes Cup Sailing Race in Suzhou has been associated with the Jinji Lake Scenic Area. The picturesque Jinji Lake is the largest inland urban lake in China, with vast waters and stable winds throughout the seasons, offering an ideal space for sailing. Moreover, as the only national AAAAA-level tourist attraction in China with a distinct business and tourism focus, the Jinji Lake Scenic Area integrates multiple business formats and elements such as commerce, tourism, sports, culture, and exhibitions. It not only aligns with the international, dynamic, and fashionable characteristics embodied by sailing but also provides water enthusiasts and their families with a comfortable and enriching travel experience.
Media representatives led by CCTV.com, CCTV Discovery Channel, and Sports Weekly, among others, jointly attended the launching ceremony and witnessed the opening of the event alongside numerous citizens and tourists.