The 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) opens in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on Dec 11. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), one of the most anticipated sports events in the world aquatics event calendar opened in grand style in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on Dec 11.

As the biggest international sports event that has taken place in Hangzhou to date, the six-day international tournament has attracted 960 athletes from 178 countries and regions across the world competing in 46 events in the Hangzhou Olympic and International Expo Center.

Featuring the Qiantang River and a wide range of high technologies, the 40-minute opening ceremony presented to the world a grand performance with a Hangzhou flavor by employing different visual elements, including dynamic 3D lighting effects and imagery on a large LED screen, showcasing the elements of water and the urban style of Hangzhou.