2014 China International Camping Congress Qiandao Lake Station

    The 2014 China International Camping Congress Qiandao Lake Station — the 15th Sanfo Outdoor Triathlon Cup, sponsored by Mountain Hardwear at Hualian Jinxian Bay — concluded successfully on October 25 at Hualian Jinxian Bay in Qiandao Lake.

    The triathlon was held at Hualian Jinxian Bay, located on the northern side of Qiandao Lake. For the swimming segment, athletes swam 1 km in fully open water, which posed a significant challenge for those accustomed to training in pools. Moreover, the lake has substantial variations in water depth, reaching up to 100 meters at its deepest and averaging 34 meters, with constant water temperatures and visibility as high as 12 meters on clear days — requiring plenty of courage to dive in.

     The 29-km cycling course took participants through picturesque villages and scenic lakeshores, delivering an exhilarating ride. The final segment, a 7.4-km cross-country run, is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the race. Runners head straight to the summit of Tianyu Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Qiandao Lake Bridge and take in the stunning beauty of Qiandao Lake. The gorgeous lake and its friendly people are sure to leave a deep impression on every athlete.

     With a total distance of 39.4 km, this race featured the longest course in the history of the Sanfo Outdoor Triathlon. Yet, the unspoiled natural surroundings, pleasant climate, wild landscapes, and warm, hospitable locals made the experience incredibly enjoyable, leaving participants eager for more.

    The champion, Gu Li, commented excitedly after the race: “The Sanfo Outdoor Triathlon in Qiandao Lake was amazing — it’s the most beautiful, perfect, and most enjoyable course I’ve competed in among the dozen or so triathlons I’ve done across China this year!” Other participants echoed the sentiment, calling it the most fun and joyful race they’d ever taken part in. The beauty of nature was intoxicating, and the well-designed course along with excellent logistical support left a lasting impression. After the race, athletes struck all kinds of playful and cool poses for the cameras, showing off their toned abs and muscles, turning the event into a cheerful get-together among friends.

    We believe this race will become a unique calling card for Qiandao Lake, and that every participant will remember this place where tranquility meets vibrancy.

    Mini Family Triathlon — Sports Edition of "Where Are We Going, Dad?"

    The family event was a highlight of the competition. Eight young triathletes aged 6–8, accompanied by their dads, completed a super challenge consisting of an 800-meter kayak, an 8-km bike ride, and a 1.2-km run. Most of the kids were taking part in such an activity for the first time and were extremely excited. The dads noted that such events not only allow parents and children to enjoy nature together, but also foster interaction through fun and challenging activities, helping kids become more independent and responsible. Parents are also encouraged to step out of their comfort zones with their children, gain new experiences, and grow together — allowing kids to truly enjoy the journey of growing up.

The young participants were fearless during interviews, expressing their determination to return next year with great enthusiasm. Their involvement added even more charm and joy to the event.

    This year marks the first time the 15-year-old Sanfo Outdoor Triathlon has been held in Qiandao Lake, and it was integrated into the China International Camping Congress, becoming a shining highlight of the event. It aligned perfectly with the Congress's philosophy of “cooperative spirit, actively supporting industry development, advocating mutual assistance, inspiring one another, and growing together.”

Unlike other domestic triathlons, this event included a relay experience group where three participants could complete the race as a team. This feature added a unique outdoor appeal, highlighting the values of companionship, teamwork, sharing, coordination, and collective effort, while also accommodating athletes who may not be able to tackle all three disciplines alone. Everyone could team up with friends, come up with a cool team name, challenge their own limits — without competing for rankings. That’s the essence of outdoor sports, and it’s also the goal of the Sanfo Outdoor Triathlon.

    Many attendees said: “I couldn’t have joined if I had to do all three events alone — I can’t swim. But the relay let me join in the fun. The water in Qiandao Lake is really beautiful. I’m going to learn how to swim, and next year I’ll try the full triathlon solo!”

    With its diverse, thoughtful events and thrilling challenges, this competition is sure to spark a new wave of enthusiasm for healthy living.