Competitors push hard to gain the lead, during an open water swimming competition in Suichang county. [Photo/Tide News]

Nearly 600 swimmers from 16 teams across East China's Zhejiang province participated in an open water swimming event on June 11 in Suichang county in Lishui city.

The event aimed to promote sports, the integration of nature and tourism and common prosperity in the mountainous areas of the province.

The competition was held at Xianxia Lake in Hushan town, a scenic spot with excellent water quality and beautiful surroundings.

The swimmers were closely monitored by professional medical staff, with water rescue vehicles and lifeguards on hand to ensure their safety.

"This is the largest open water swimming competition in Suichang," said Zhang Jian, with the event organizers. "We hope that through this event, we can attract more people to come to Suichang for tourism, sports and leisure," Zhang added.

In recent years, Suichang has relied on its great natural environs and cultural resources to build itself up as an outdoor sports leisure destination in the Yangtze River Delta region.

It has constructed a raft of outdoor sports facilities such as the greenway around Xianxia Lake, a water sports center and a bicycle track through its tea gardens.

What's more, it has held various popular events such as marathons and cross-country races.