On the morning of May 17, the opening race of the fourth annual "X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes around X-Lake Sciensity" Rowing League took place along the scenic Maozhou River in Guangming District.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from top universities and research institutes. A total of 21 teams representing the X9 Alliance competed, with more than 300 teachers and students taking part.

This year's Rowing League is structured across three major stages: the Maozhou River race held on May 17, the Dasha River race in Nanshan District scheduled for June 29, and the final race at University Town in Nanshan in November. Notably, the league introduced a new category this season — the Student Women's Eight with Coxswain in the student division — reflecting its commitment to expanding inclusivity.

Teams competed in four main categories during the Guangming leg: Student Men's Eight with Coxswain, Student Women's Eight with Coxswain, Mixed Men's and Women's Eight with Coxswain, and Expert Group Eight with Coxswain. Points earned in each event will accumulate throughout the season, with awards for top finishers at each stage. The team with the highest overall points after all three races will claim the prestigious X9 League Super Grand Trophy.

After the first leg, the top three teams in cumulative standings were: Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) and Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School.

Celebrating its fourth consecutive year, the X9 Alliance Rowing League has earned widespread acclaim for fostering competitive excellence and collaboration among China's leading academic institutions. The event not only provides a platform for athletes to demonstrate skill and endurance but also serves as a meaningful cultural and academic exchange.