The Jinjiang round of the 2016 Kelme Cup National Beach Volleyball Grand Slam was held from June 9-12, with pundits saying that the games were played at the highest level, with the highest scores and the highest prize money on offer in both the men's and women's categories.

Some 16 teams from across China took part in the games, with Shanghai's Hong Jiajun and Li Jie winning the men's group, and Jiang Li and Bai Bing, from Bayi taking home the women's trophy. The total prize money this year was 200,000 yuan ($30,400).

Jinjiang was lauded for its hosting of the round, as its beautiful bays and sandy beaches make it an ideal place for beach volleyball. It is the fourth consecutive year that the city has hosted the event.

Jinjiang is fast becoming a popular stop of for many high profile sporting events, such as the Maritime Silk Road Ring of Quanzhou Bay International Road Cycling Race, which starts in May, an international half marathon and the World Chinese Taekwondo championships; national level events including CBA league matches, and the final round of the China Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition are also set to take place in the city this year.

The city’s sports industry raked in 113.7 billion yuan in 2015, 29.7 percent of total GDP, making it an extremely important part of the local economy.

The Jinjiang government is taking steps to promote the city's sports industry to becoming unrivalled in the country.

Hong Jiajun and Li Jie, celebrate winning the men's group of at 2016 National Beach Volleyball Grand Slam in Jinjiang. [Photo/ ijjnews.com]