It is a spectacular setting for the 18 teams from 11 countries who have arrived in the city for the third round of the World Championship.
The event takes place during the Chinese National Days to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the inauguration of the People’s Republic of China.
After arriving in town to a heroes welcome yesterday the teams spent the first day preparing the race boats onboard a giant barge moored in the river. It is the first time this type of floating pontoon has been used as a pit area and is proving popular with the teams and spectators.
The Championship action starts tomorrow Tuesday 3rd October with the Match Race Competition and concludes on Wednesday 4th October with the Grand Prix of China when an estimated 1.2 million spectators are expected.