On October 18, the first Mountain West 3-in-1 Tourism Highway Cycling Open (Taihang Segment, Gaoping Station) kicked off in the picturesque backdrop of autumn’s golden hues and breathtaking green mountains. Nearly 300 cyclists from both domestic and international backgrounds came together to compete fiercely amidst the stunning landscapes of the Taihang Mountain region, showcasing their speed and passion.
The race covered a total distance of 48 kilometers, starting from the Fushan Rest Station on the Taihang No. 1 Tourism Highway in Gaoping City, winding through the Taihang Tourist Zone, and concluding at the intersection of the Taihang No. 1 Tourism Highway and the Yan Emperor Rest Station. As the starting gun fired, participants surged forward, not only pushing their limits but also soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Taihang Mountain range and the rich cultural heritage of Gaoping.
Wang Jin, the Chief Inspector of the Shanxi Provincial Department of Transportation, shared that since 2018, Shanxi has been actively promoting the deep integration of transportation and tourism for high-quality development, investing nearly 100 billion yuan to create 13,000 kilometers of tourism highways along the Yellow River, the Great Wall, and the Taihang Mountains. This network connects 970 tourist attractions across the province, forming a comprehensive tourism highway system that emphasizes “quick access, leisurely travel, and profound experiences.”
The Taihang No. 1 Tourism Highway, themed “Beautiful Taihang, the Backbone of the World,” presents the unique landscapes, perilous gorges, and rich historical narratives characteristic of the Taihang region, seamlessly weaving together stunning vistas and cultural depth.
The Gaoping Station event serves as one of the highlights of the 2024 China (Shanxi) Health and Wellness Industry Development Conference. Under the theme “Health and Happiness on Endless Roads,” the cycling competition aims to blend transportation, nature, culture, and urban promotion, encouraging a new trend of “traveling with the events” and “exploring Shanxi with the races,” all while bolstering the high-quality development of the health and wellness industry.
Wang Fu, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman, and General Manager of Huajian Sports Holdings Group, emphasized that this competition serves as a bridge for transportation, promoting the healthy and eco-friendly sport of cycling, and aims to consistently enhance the health of the public while showcasing Shanxi’s beautiful scenery and cultural richness.
Deng Zhirong, Deputy Mayor of Jin City, explained that the racecourse traverses mountains and villages, connecting traditional settlements, pastoral beauty, ancient routes, and urban landscapes. This integration marries the dynamic beauty of the event with the serene appeal of the Yan Emperor’s homeland, creating a perfect blend of sports and scenic beauty.
Gaoping City, located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, boasts a rich history and culture. Known as the birthplace of Shennong, the Yan Emperor, and the site of the Battle of Changping, it is also famed for its traditional folk opera, “Shangdang Bangzi,” and is recognized as the “Museum of Ancient Chinese Architecture.” In recent years, the Gaoping Cultural and Tourism Group has developed multiple tourism routes that connect various attractions, providing visitors with diverse experiences that promote the synergy of cultural tourism and urban enhancement.
