Rowing was first introduced to China from Shanghai in 1849, and it wasn't until 2021 that this city hosted its own rowing event— the Head of Shanghai River Regatta on the Suzhou Creek, known as Shanghai's mother river.

In 2022, Shanghai successfully secured the bid to host the 2025 World Rowing Championships, marking the first time the world's premier rowing event will be held in China. The championships will take place at the Shanghai Aquatic Sports Center from Sept 21 to 28, 2025.