Chinese divers Wang Zongyuan (1st right) and Long Daoyi (1st left) pose in Hanfu, traditional Chinese costumes, with international athletes during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in Xi'an, China.

Divers experienced dazzling Chinese cultural elements to gain a better understanding of Chinese traditional culture at Xi'an World Aquatics Diving World Cup.

by sportswriter Zhou Xin, Yao Youming, Gao Meng

XI'AN, April 17  -- Shaanxi Opera, leather shadow puppetry, ink-painting on water, dough sculpture, paper cutting, Hanfu clothes, drums, Terracotta warrior mascots...

Divers from the World Aquatics Diving World Cup were absorbed in dazzling Chinese cultural elements during their one-week stay in Xi'an, a historical ancient capital of 13 dynasties.

A total of 63 elite divers from 13 teams competed in the Diving World Cup, while host China swept nine golds at the top-tier international competition. However, medals were not the only thing divers sought; stepping out of the pool, they also gained a better understanding of Chinese traditional culture.

A "walking street" en route to the dining hall in the athletes' hotel was decorated with Chinese intangible cultural heritages by local organizers.