The 2017 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference — China Hot Air Balloon Club League Guizhou · Xingyi Station — wrapped up successfully on August 18 in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province. Sixty professional athletes from 30 top-tier hot air balloon clubs across China completed various competitive events, including flying toward the main venue, hare and hounds, precision flying, aerial treasure hunt, and wandering waltz. Alongside the 2017 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference, they also delivered stunning hot air balloon launch performances, collectively presenting an aerial feast themed “Harmony Between Humanity and Nature · Healthy Living.”
Competitive Flying
Group Photo of Pilots
The league strictly adhered to the rules set by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) for hot air balloon competitions. The competition results contributed to the 2017 pilot event rankings. The main competitive events included JDG designated target, FIN fly to the main venue, and other disciplines. For the designated target event, the race director announced a specific target location before takeoff, and pilots aimed to fly their balloons as close as possible to the target, earning higher scores the closer they got. The FIN fly to the main venue required pilots to choose their own launch site within restricted takeoff areas and then head toward a designated target point, aiming to drop marker bags as close as possible to the bullseye.
FIN Fly to the Main Venue
Aerial View of Wanfenglin
Over the course of two days and four rounds of competition over the picturesque Wanfenglin (Ten Thousand Peaks Forest) in the southeast, the competing pilots successfully completed all the scheduled events. The award ceremony on the evening of August 18 saw all pilots, distinguished guests, and spectators gather to witness the moment of glory. The clubs that secured 4th to 6th place in the “2017 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference China Hot Air Balloon Club League Guizhou · Xingyi Station” were, respectively: Yunnan Tengchong Volcano Aviation Sports Club Co., Ltd., Nanjing Hongguang General Aviation Equipment Technology Co., Ltd., and Zhucheng City Hot Air Balloon Sports Culture Co., Ltd. Xu Jian from Xiangyang Hongwei Aircraft Co., Ltd. ranked third with 2838 points; Chen Baoyun from Datong Yunzhiyi Aviation Club Co., Ltd. claimed second place with 2999 points; and the championship was won by Li Guanghui from Zhengzhou Aoxiang Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. with 3050 points.
Award Ceremony for 4th–6th Place Clubs
Award Ceremony for 1st–3rd Place Clubs
Looking back at the league, the opening night featured a classic balloon lighting ceremony where 30 colorful hot air balloons performed in sync with music, light, and rhythm, adding a vibrant splash of color to Xingyi. Under the neon-lit night sky, the dancing balloons resembled colorful sprites, putting on a visually and aurally spectacular show. The fire-spouting parade further elevated the atmosphere, with various forms of fire displays complementing Xingyi’s night sky. Flames shooting up to 6–7 meters high danced through the sky like fire dragons, igniting the passion and dreams of the city.
Fire-Spouting Parade
On August 16, the overflight of the urban area kicked off a romantic performance in Xingyi. Five massive hot air balloons launched from Jushan Square and floated above the city, offering sweeping views of the landscape between mountains and water. Following that, tethered balloon shows titled “Lighting Up Xingyi” were held at key city squares. As night fell, a variety of uniquely shaped, colorful balloons created a stunning visual display at Jushan Square, Xingyi Shopping Mall, Dafodong Square, and Pingdong Square.
Upright Balloon
On the afternoon of the first official competition day, a large-scale public welfare event themed “The Sky is Vast · Let’s Fly Together” was held. Aimed at children from 17 local families born and raised in Xingyi, the event provided the children with backpacks and hot air balloon puzzles, and gave them the chance to ride in a hot air balloon to view their hometown from the skies. This experience was designed to deepen their love for their home and inspire them to strive for a brighter future, contributing to making their hometown even better.
Public Welfare Event
Public Welfare Event
This league marked the third time the China Hot Air Balloon Club League was held in Wanfenglin, Xingyi, Guizhou. Over the past three years of continuous development, the event has not only grown into a premium international sporting event with recognition and influence in Guizhou and Xingyi, but it has also fully embodied the concept of mass participation and fitness. It has become a new highlight in the development of mountain outdoor sports tourism in the region and a prime tourist attraction. The 2017 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference China Hot Air Balloon Club League Guizhou · Xingyi Station further realized the perfect integration of “sports + tourism,” elevating Xingyi’s global profile and influence.
JDG Designated Target
With this, the 2017 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference China Hot Air Balloon Club League Guizhou · Xingyi Station has concluded successfully. We look forward to the next edition of the league in Xingyi continuing the spectacular journey of flight.