Thousands Set to Swim Across Pearl River This Week

Thousands of brave souls are expected to swim across the Pearl River on Tuesday, as part of the aptly named Swim Across the Pearl River event.

A total of seven cities along the Zhujiang, including Guangzhou, will take part in the annual event, which is open to swimmers between 15 and 55 years old who successfully completed preliminary events, according to a report by GRT Radio. 

READ MORE: Guangzhou Mayor Swims in Pearl River to Prove Water is ‘Safe’

Guangzhouers daring enough to plunge into the murky – and undoubtedly polluted – waters of the Pearl River will be crossing from the Zhongda Pier to the Xinghai Concert Hall. 

For those interested in watching the event, it kicks off at 2.30pm on Tuesday, July 25. From past experience, we encourage spectators to arrive early to secure a good viewing area. 

And, while we cringe to think what’s in that water, the whole That’s team wishes this year’s participants a refreshing and safe swim!

Click here to see photos from the 2015 Swim Across the Pearl River event.

[Photos by Matthew Bossons]