Dali Erhai Lake Cycling Race Kicks Off
On the 25th, with the sound of a starting gun, the Dali March Street Ethnic Festival Erhai Lake Cycling Race in Yunnan commenced. Over 600 cycling enthusiasts clad in yellow T-shirts set off from the Dali National Fitness Center by Erhai Lake, beginning their journey around the lake. It is reported that this cycling race, themed...
It is reported that this cycling race is themed “Beautiful Homeland, Happy Dali,” aiming to showcase Dali’s picturesque natural scenery and vibrant ethnic culture to the world, while also advocating green travel. The event attracted 624 registered riders, with the oldest being 65 years old and the youngest just 14. Among the participants were overseas cyclists from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, as well as cycling enthusiasts from across China.
The race route spanned 40 kilometers along the entire shoreline of Erhai Lake. Participants raced while enjoying the scenic views along the way. Many contestants stated that their goal was not to win prizes, but to experience a leisurely self-guided cycling tour by the picturesque Erhai Lake and to advocate for environmentally friendly travel.
Wu Xiao, who rode with her son, told reporters that Dali boasts the beautiful Cangshan Mountain and the scenic Erhai Lake. Cycling not only allows one to appreciate these natural wonders, but also strengthens family bonds and promotes low-carbon environmental awareness, encouraging more people to join in protecting Erhai Lake.
David, an American cyclist, is participating in the race for the second time, and cycling around Erhai Lake has become his daily routine. “Cycling is both a sport that challenges endurance and willpower, and a green, healthy, and low-carbon fitness activity. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, I also want to spread the message of green living through my own actions,” David said.
Erhai Lake is the second-largest highland freshwater lake in Yunnan, known as the “Mother Lake” of Dali, and is at the heart of the famous Cangshan-Erhai Natural Reserve and Scenic Area. However, since the late 1990s, long-term pollution led to eutrophication of the lake water, causing a sharp decline in transparency and even localized odor issues. After treatment, water quality significantly improved, remaining generally stable within Class III since 2006. In July 2011, Erhai Lake was listed as a pilot site for China’s lake ecological environment protection efforts.