From August 4 to 6, the 2017 13th "Huaqing Cup" China · Qinghai (Xunhua) International Yellow River Drift Challenge, jointly organized by the Swimming Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Swimming Association, the Qinghai Provincial Sports Bureau, the People's Government of Haidong City of Qinghai Province, and the Qinghai Provincial Sports Federation, and co-hosted by the People's Government of Xunhua Hui and Sala Autonomous County of Haidong City, Qinghai Province, and Beijing Jingtimes Sports Culture Co., Ltd., will be held on the banks of the Yellow River in the beautiful Xunhua Hui and Sala Autonomous County.
Known as the "Ancient Biological Kingdom of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau," the Mengda Tianchi National Nature Reserve boasts unique tourism resources in Qinghai Province, with natural scenery that combines grandeur, spirituality, beauty, and wonder. In addition, the forest vegetation environment is highly distinctive. Due to the large relative elevation differences in the terrain, the area enjoys diverse climatic features, allowing visitors to admire plants from four climate zones: subtropical, warm temperate, cold temperate, and subfrigid. Subtropical Taiwan cypress, warm temperate large-leaved camphor, Qinling Mountains' Chinese pine and kiwi, as well as Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's spruce and large-fruit juniper, all thrive competitively in the forest. Scientific surveys have recorded over 600 plant species in the Mengda forest area, belonging to more than 250 genera, with 42 genera widely distributed across the world.
Located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Xunhua Hui and Sala Autonomous County is home to 60% Sala ethnic residents, whose ancestors originated from Central Asia. The Sala people universally practice Islam, so their cultural identity blends plateau culture with Islamic religious culture. As a result, the regional culture of this ethnic group also has deep historical ties to the ancient "Silk Road."
The legendary handwritten Quran of the Sala people has been confirmed to be one of the oldest handwritten Qurans in China. It consists of two volumes totaling 30 chapters and 867 pages. Authenticated by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, it is believed to have been written between the 8th and 13th centuries AD, traditionally said to have been copied by the great sage Osman during the time of Muhammad on fine parchment. Only three copies exist in the world today, with the other two housed in Damascus and the British Museum.
Xunhua’s long and enduring history is deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of the nation. Madari Village in Wudu Township is the former residence of the late 10th Panchen Lama, Erdini Qoigyijabu. The 10th Panchen Lama made outstanding contributions to the peaceful liberation of Tibet and the safeguarding of national unity, and Deng Xiaoping praised him as "the best patriot in our country."
This edition of the International Yellow River Drift Challenge not only showcases to the world the tenacious spirit of humans challenging their limits but also allows friends from all corners of the globe to touch and experience the time-honored Yellow River civilization through the intertwining of the ancient and rich Sala ethnic culture and breathtaking scenery, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the inclusive and enduring spirit of Chinese civilization.