Xinhua News Agency, Taining, September 15 — Cycling around the Dajin Lake, zip-lining across the Jiangjialing Suspension Bridge, crossing the Ganlu Temple on car tires... The 2014 China Danxia (Taining) Mountain Outdoor Sports International Challenge opened on the 15th in Taining, Fujian.
Taining, Fujian, known as the "Water Danxia," is one of the components of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site "China Danxia." Now in its fourth edition, the Taining Mountain Outdoor International Challenge aims to "perfectly integrate mountain outdoor sports with Taining’s unique geological landscapes," and has become a distinctive "mountain-water sports" brand.
Nearly 200 athletes, coaches, and referees from over ten countries and regions including France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Taiwan will compete for three days amid Taining’s emerald waters and danxia landscapes. The 45 teams—comprising 18 international, 25 mainland Chinese, and 2 from Taiwan—mark an unprecedented scale and level of challenge for the event.
"Exploring China through outdoor sports is a truly unique travel experience," said Mark, an Australian competitor. He expressed great enjoyment in competing in the scenic surroundings of Taining and hopes to raise global awareness and support for the protection of Taining’s World Natural Heritage status.
The international challenge spans 171 kilometers and features 11 events including roller skating, trail running, kayaking, mountain biking, river crossing, zip-lining, and building descent. Most of the race routes are set within popular scenic areas such as the Dajin Lake, Lijiayan, and Zhaxia Grand Canyon.
Li Jing, Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, noted that the race route showcases spectacular landforms and unique terrains, with its danxia cliffs and crystal-clear waters offering breathtaking natural beauty. "It’s a perfect way to highlight Taining’s scenery, culture, and folk traditions, as well as to build the city’s brand."
The event is jointly organized by the Mountaineering Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, the Fujian Provincial Tourism Bureau, the Taining Municipal Government, and other entities. It is one of China’s four top-tier A-grade outdoor sports competitions.