The Synchronized Swimming World Series 2017 of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) will be held in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province from April 22 to 24.

The competition is a new concept initiated by FINA that includes existing international synchro events organized by National Federations (NFs) from around the world, and is set to be held annually starting this year.

The 2017 circuit will include a total of seven legs, beginning with the French Open in Paris from March 10 to 12.

The China Open will follow as the second leg, and will be held at the same time as the preliminary synchronized swimming contests for the 13th national games, which will be the first of their kind in Shanxi.

"It is a great opportunity for people in Shanxi to know more about high-caliber swimming contests and to improve Shanxi's capacity to hold such big events," said Zhao Xiaochun, deputy director of the provincial sports bureau.

According to sources, the contests will be open to local residents. They are required to register with their ID cards to watch the games, and will be able to obtain tickets free of charge.