Challenging limits and surpassing oneself, the Jiuluzhai Cycling Challenge successfully concluded

On August 3, the Jiuluzhai Scenic Area Cycling Challenge, organized by Baokang Santel Jiuluzhai Tourism Development Co., Ltd., officially kicked off. Twenty riders from Xiangyang embarked on a cycling challenge from Xiangyang to Baokang Jiuluzhai.

This event was Xiangyang’s first climbing-themed race, a feast for cycling enthusiasts, with a total distance of 189 kilometers and an elevation gain of over 4,000 meters. It featured a climb to the summit of Xiangyang—Julong Mountain at an altitude of 1,700 meters—and a visit to a hidden paradise in the mountains—Jiuluzhai.

Photo taken during the ride

At 6:00 a.m., the riders gathered punctually at Xiaobeimen Square and set off, marking the start of an exhilarating race. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative, with heavy rain throughout four stages of the race, which undoubtedly added difficulty to the challenge. Their clothes got wet, dried, and then wet again. Along the tough journey, there were winds and rains, but we never gave up.

Rider climbing uphill on a mountain road

Rider cycling in the rain

In the end, the first-place rider completed the challenge in 7 hours and 43 minutes. By 6:58 p.m., all riders had successfully finished the challenge.

Athlete sprinting at the finish line

Rider being interviewed by Today’s Report

Meanwhile, the camping activity at Jiuluzhai was also underway. At 10:00 a.m., over 40 outdoor camping enthusiasts from Xiangyang arrived at Jiuluzhai to participate in the evening bonfire camping event. In the afternoon, they began a wonderful journey to explore the scenic area.

Aerial view of the campsite

Visitors enjoying the scenery at the campsite

The beauty of Jiuluzhai lies in its mountains, waters, and summer

In the mountains, the peaks are uniquely beautiful, with secluded valleys that are truly idyllic. The grandeur of the mountains is vast and majestic, with an overall graceful form. In the early morning, the layered peaks drift faintly through the mist, extraordinarily beautiful; when sunlight bursts through the fog, golden rays shine on the mountain ranges, creating a dazzling spectacle.

Visitors exploring the scenic area

In the water, Jiuluzhai boasts spectacular six-tiered waterfalls, mysterious cave rivers, and a panoramic cable car weaving through the canyons, offering endless visual delights. There is a couplet that describes Jiuluzhai’s waters: “The fortress connects nine paths, the lofty mountain hangs flying waterfalls; the waters encircle all directions, murmuring streams nourish emerald peaks.”

Currently, Jiuluzhai has introduced a new viral attraction—the Shouting Fountain—where the volume of your voice determines the height of the fountain. Deep in the mountains and before the beautiful scenery, put on Hanfu for a lovely rendezvous.

A timeless journey through Jiuluzhai

In summer, Jiuluzhai offers a picturesque blend of mountains and waters, beautiful in every season, but summer is its most stunning time. The beauty of Jiuluzhai in summer lies in its clear azure sky, billowing white clouds, layers of greenery, murmuring streams, and air as fresh as filtered oxygen.

In the evening, the bonfire party and award ceremony officially began. Bonfires, performances, games, barbecues, and beer created a unique night gathering.

Barbecue is underway at the bonfire party

Cycling award ceremony

Group photo of cycling participants

As night fell and the first flame ignited, the bonfire party commenced. At this moment, flames danced in the sky. Under the cover of darkness, everyone cheered together, shouting along with the music, swaying their bodies by the bonfire. Visitors played jump rope together, waved sparklers, and laughter filled the air with joy and warmth.

Bonfire lit

Visitors watching the bonfire performance

Jiuluzhai, a hidden paradise deep in the mountains, we look forward to meeting again.