Yading hosts outdoor-sports events

A series of cross-country running events will be staged in Daocheng county's Yading in Sichuan province's Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture from April 28 to 30.

The events include a 46-kilometer race, a 29-km race, a 7-km vertical climb and a 10-km hike.

Runners will face challenging courses that range from 2,900 meters to 5,000 meters above sea level.

More than 800 runners from 25 countries and regions participated last year.

A folk custom gala and traditional Kangba attire will enable runners to experience distinctive local Tibetan culture this year.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival will coincide with the sports events.

Tour packages have been prepared for runners and their families to enjoy what Yading has to offer.

It's considered by many to be one of the few remaining pristine lands on Earth. The area was first brought to the Western world's attention by American explorer Joseph Rock, who presented its stunning beauty in National Geographic magazine in 1931.