Cycling contest attracts 500 competitors in North China

More than 500 domestic and international cyclists, both professional and amateur, participate in the 2016 Mulan Hunting Ground International Cycling Challenge in Chengde, Hebei province, on Aug 14. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 500 domestic and international cyclists, both professional and amateur, participated in the 2016 Mulan Hunting Ground International Cycling Challenge in Chengde, Hebei province, on Aug 14.

The event was jointly organized by the Chinese National Geography magazine, Chengde Tourist Bureau, and the government of Weichang, Mogolia, and Manchurian autonomous county, where the competition field is located.

The organizers aim to boost tourism in the region and build a cultural and sporting scene that can attract more participants in the future.

Weichang county is situated at the junction of Hebei Province and Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The cycling tracks are located in its famous scenic attractions— the Saihanba National Forest Park and the Yudaokou Scenic Area. The area is covered with fertile pastures and forest since ancient times and used to be the imperial hunting ground during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Running through areas with natural landscapes including grasslands, forests and lakes, the tracks allowed participants to enjoy nice views with comfortable weather during the games.

The competition part, which includes a road cycling game and mountain terrain cycling game respectively, brought together professional club cyclists and amateurs from around China. Winners from each group were granted with bonuses of up to 5,000 yuan.

The event also included a biking tour, which was mainly participated by individuals and families who preferred to enjoy riding casualy through the area’s beautiful landscape.