In the golden autumn of October, the roar of engines echoed along the Huangpu River estuary as F1H2O powerboats cut through the waters of Baoshan. With its unique location connecting the river and the sea, Baoshan has successfully built a matrix of top-tier international sporting events, including the F1 Powerboat World Championship, forming a new pattern in Shanghai’s sports scene — “Tennis in the South, Racing in the West, and Water F1 in the North.”
For Mark Siobo, a Greek sports enthusiast and second-generation “China fan” studying martial arts at Shanghai University of Sport, the event offered more than just excitement. Using Journey to the West as his inspiration, he immersed himself in Baoshan’s modern interpretation of “Joyful Cultivation” through the lens of a martial artist.
Getting the chance to ride an F1H2O powerboat — a machine worth a fortune — is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After feeling the thrill of speed at Wusongkou, Mark leaped into the water for a free dive at the Blue Time Diving Pool in the Sea World complex on the East China Sea coast — to “meet the Dragon King of the East Sea” and experience the power of water firsthand. The pool, with a depth of 15 meters and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a rare underwater view of the Yangtze River — the deepest indoor diving pool in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Where can one find the “Golden Cudgel” taken from the sea?
Growing larger and larger, it now stands tall by the riverside, swaying in the wind. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Huangpu Rivers, the monumental “Golden Cudgel” sculpture overlooks Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and the Baoshan Port Area, offering panoramic views of the waterfront and urban skyline — a landmark for ships passing north and south. Boldly standing atop the “staff’s head,” Mark experienced a “cloud walk” without the “somersault cloud,” then took a daring leap to enjoy the thrill of “speed crossing” within the golden pillar.
From sky to sea, Mark finally returned to land to relax along the Changtan Riverside Promenade.
Moments of adrenaline coexist with the calm pace of leisure — intense yet soothing, bold yet tender.
This is Baoshan’s gift of “Joyful Cultivation.”
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.