XINING, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Water Tower International Nordic Walking World Cup, one of the International Nordic Walking Association World Cup events 2018, will begin soon in northwest China's Qinghai province with an entry of over 4000 athletes and enthusiasts around the world, the local Sports Bureau announced on Friday.

China's Water Tower International Nordic Walking competition was started by INWA and Qinghai Sports Bureau in 2014, when it was a completely new sport for the locals. After five years of development, it has become popular among the Chinese as well as foreigners, and has been upgraded to an annually-held World Cup event.

Named with "China's Water Tower", the nickname of Sanjiangyuan reserve in Qinghai, which houses the source of the Yellow, Yangtze and Lancang rivers, this competition aims to call for more people's attention on environmental protection.

"This year's Nordic Walking World Cup is featured by local natural and cultural elements. We hope that the participants both from abroad and other areas in China could feel the charm of Qinghai, and join in the protection of China's Water Tower," said Yang Pei, the vice director of Qinghai Sports Bureau.

The 6-day event will be held in three different cities in Qinghai, with the first stage in Yushu of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the second in Ledu District of Haidong city, and the last one in Guide county of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

"In addition to professional groups, we also set up male and female groups for amateurs, so as to promote this sport and advocate national fitness," said the organizer.