The 30 days countdown and venue testing launching ceremony is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 10. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The local organizing committee for the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) marked the 30-day countdown to the event with a special celebration in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 10.

As the biggest international sports event that will have taken place in Hangzhou to date, the championships will be held in the city from Dec 11 to 16 at the 10,000-seat Tennis Centre in the Hangzhou Olympic and International Expo Center.

With 30 days to go, all the preparatory work has entered the final stage. The construction of the competition pool and warm-up pool for training purposes have been completed while water testing of the pool is underway.

Complementing the international event, the opening ceremony, featuring the Qiantang River, will invite Hangzhou swimming athletes to perform and other dances and choreographies will also be staged showcasing the elements of water and the urban style of Hangzhou.

To date, a total of 1,261 athletes from 178 countries and regions across the world have confirmed their participation for the event, including 42 Chinese athletes.

The lotus-shaped Hangzhou Olympic and International Expo Center is the competition venue for the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in the city, Zhejiang province. [Photo/fina.org]

The competition pool of the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Hangzhou Olympic and International Expo Center [Photo/fina.org]