On September 13, 2018, the opening ceremony of the Lanzhou-Anning leg of the China Hot Air Balloon Club League, the "Lanzhou Bank Cup" event, was grandly held at the Central Business Plaza in Anning District. The organizers of the event included the Chinese Aeronautical Sports Federation, the Gansu Provincial Sports Bureau, and the People's Government of Lanzhou City; the executive organizers were the Gansu Provincial Aeronautical Sports School, the Lanzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Lanzhou Municipal Bureau of Sports, and the People's Government of Anning District, Lanzhou; the co-organizers were the Lanzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Sports of Anning District and the Lanzhou Urban Development Group Co., Ltd. of Anning District; the exclusive operating unit was Beijing Shizhi Shanshui Culture Communication Co., Ltd.; and the title sponsor was Lanzhou Bank. Leaders from these organizations all attended the opening ceremony. Journalists from authoritative media such as China Central Television and China Sports Daily, as well as reporters from well-known media outlets including ZAKER Lanzhou, Lanzhou Television, and Youku Video, also gathered at the scene to jointly witness and report on this grand event. At the ceremony, Luo Zemin, Deputy Secretary of the Anning District Committee and District Chief, and Tian Guoqiang, Party Committee Secretary of Lanzhou Bank, delivered speeches respectively, and Jia Bing, Director of the Aviation Radio Model Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, announced the start of the competition.
It is understood that the China Hot Air Balloon Club League is a national-level hot air balloon sports event organized by the Aviation Radio Model Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China (Chinese Aeronautical Sports Federation). This year marks the second time the league has been held in Anning, Lanzhou. The event will take place from September 13 to 16, lasting four days, with the theme "Chasing Dreams in the Blue Sky, Enjoying Peace in Anning." It consists of two parts: "Professional Hot Air Balloon Competitive Performances + Series of Cultural Experience Activities." The professional competitive performances include events such as the Soaring Waltz, Hound Chasing Rabbit, Flying to the Main Venue, and Speed Racing, all of which are highly entertaining and will add brilliant colors to the autumn skies of Lanzhou. Over the next three days, 60 professional athletes from 30 top hot air balloon clubs across the country will compete in exciting matches.
To further enhance and optimize the experience for citizens and tourists participating in the event, the competition has specially organized a series of rich and diverse cultural experience activities. These activities are divided into four major sections: "Sports, Culture, Art, and Tourism," featuring dozens of performances and interactive experiences suitable for people of all ages.
As a large-scale outdoor event integrating "culture, sports, and tourism," the China Hot Air Balloon Club League has been spectacular since its opening. The opening ceremony featured many exciting segments, among which the "Hot Air Balloon Aerial Wedding" invited 10 couples to marry in mid-air aboard colorful hot air balloons, holding a beautiful and unforgettable wedding ceremony. The balloons, symbols of freedom and romance, along with thousands of spectators, witnessed their vows of love.
After the hot air balloon aerial wedding, dozens of vibrant hot air balloons were launched one after another at night. Burners shot spectacular flames into the envelopes, creating giant lantern-like effects. As the pilots operated the balloons, they spun to the rhythm of music, dancing the "Waltz" accompanied by beautiful melodies—truly a dreamlike scene.
In addition, the opening ceremony featured a variety of rich and colorful cultural performances showcasing the distinctive culture of Anning District in Lanzhou to all attendees and media. The performances came in diverse formats; the Gansu Qinqiang Opera Art Theater presented a "Joint Opera Performance," conveying ethnic and folk traditions through classic culture and introducing more people to the unique charm of northwestern culture. The comic dialogue "Happy Anning" allowed visitors to learn about this vibrant new district in a joyful atmosphere. Additionally, the traditional folk performance "Majestic Gong and Drum" was also very popular with the audience. The dynamic drumbeats not only promoted and preserved traditional culture but also brought the event to a cheerful climax. The spectacular opening ceremony presented the event in a multidimensional way while also showcasing the rich culture of Anning in Lanzhou.
Luo Zemin, Deputy Secretary of the Anning District Committee and District Chief, stated at the opening ceremony: "Today’s Anning is a harmonious and beautiful city filled with radiant smiles—a city of happiness. It not only boasts a splendid historical heritage but also encompasses the ecological beauty where mountains and waters blend. Anning is full of talent and vitality, continuously moving forward on the path of development and progress. Standing at this new historical juncture, Anning will seize the significant strategic opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative, set sail, brave the waves, and create even greater glories."
The hot air balloon league, as a branded event, will greatly promote the visibility of Anning and even Lanzhou through its continuous presence in the northwest. It is a milestone in advancing the development of culture, sports, and tourism in Anning. Let us actively follow this low-altitude sports extravaganza over the next three days, and look forward to the competitive events and rich cultural activities bringing an exciting experience to the general public and tourists.