Triathlon has become a popular urban sport, even making its way to a Jiangnan water town in suburban Shanghai.

The 2025 Yangtze River Delta International Triathlon was held at Shanghai Daguanyuan (Grandview Garden) and surrounding areas in Jinze Town of Qingpu District over the weekend.

The triathlon, classified as an A+ event by the China Triathlon Sports Association, was the highest-level domestic competition. It included two categories, attracting over 500 athletes from around the globe. The competition comprised a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike ride, and 10km run, totaling 51.5 kilometers.

The elite group boasted a stellar lineup, including Paris Olympic silver medalist Julie Derron of Switzerland, Tokyo Olympic ninth-place finisher and fellow Swiss Max Studer, and Chinese triathlon stars such as Miao Hao, Feng Jingshuang, Yu Shujun, and Xu Lin, totaling 34 athletes.

The age-group category drew approximately 500 amateur competitors from 10 countries, including China, the United States, Italy, South Africa and Japan.

After fierce competition, Studer, and the Australian duo Luke Schofield and Nicholas Free claimed the top three spots in the men's elite category. In the women's elite category, Derron secured the top position.

The Yangtze River Delta International Triathlon ingeniously connected landmarks such as Yuandang Lake, Daguanyuan, and Jinze Ancient Town. The course design perfectly integrates ecological restoration achievements, classical garden culture, and Jiangnan (regions to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) water town charm, offering both challenges and visual appeal. It provided athletes and spectators with an immersive experience blending nature and culture.

Yuandang Lake, spanning Shanghai and neighboring Jiangsu Province and known as the "ecological benchmark lake of the Yangtze River Delta," served as the swimming course.

The cycling course was located along the popular lakeshore of Yuandang Lake this year, passing through the Water Town Living Room of the Yangtze Delta region demonstration zone.

The lake area is a paradise for cycling. Here are some tips for cycling enthusiasts:

Yuandang Cycling Route

Covering 12.9 square kilometers of water and a 23km winding shoreline, this recently fully connected route offers panoramic views from its slow-moving bridge, showcasing serene lake and idyllic landscapes.

From an aerial view, the iconic Yuandang Bridge spanning Shanghai and Jiangsu resembles a ribbon, gracefully nestled atop the shimmering emerald waves of Yuandang Lake.

The Yuandang Bridge is like a ribbon on the lake.

Location: Near 701 Jinshang Highway, Qingpu District

Highlights of the route: Yuandang Posthouse, Yuandang Pavilion, Yuandang Slow-Traffic Bridge

Route: Huashen Square of the third phase of Yuandang → Fanghong Bridge → Yuandang Village → Yuandang Posthouse → Yuandang Pavilion → Yuandang Slow-Traffic Bridge → Yuge Posthouse → Mudan Building → Huashen Square of the third phase of Yuandang (23km)