(Reported by Zhou Wei, Cycling Circle Integrated Media) The 2018 Round Changbai Mountain Marathon Cycling Tour and Self-Ride Rally, also serving as the Maziride Qualifier, will open on September 23 in the Ancient City of Neyin. Themed “Ride the Eco-Changbai, Experience Neyin Culture, and Enjoy Korean Charm,” the cycling event is divided into a 200-kilometer full course group and a 100-kilometer half course group. The activity is expected to attract thousands of participants from over 20 provinces, cities, and overseas regions.
It is understood that the starting point of the event is set in the Ancient City of Neyin, Manjiang Town, Chinan District, Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Zone, where participants can experience the Shaman culture at the source of the Three Rivers. The finish line is in Changbai Korean Autonomous County, Baishan City (Changbai Square), where riders will enter the county and be welcomed with traditional Korean ethnic customs.
The route goes through: Ancient City of Neyin, Manjiang Town, Chinan District, Changbai Mountain – S302 – Changsongling Tunnel – Changbai County Town – Jinhua Township – S303 – Shiwudao Gully (turnaround) – Changbai Square in Changbai County. The full course group will pass through Changbai County and then turnaround at Shiwudao Gully, while the half course group follows a direct route, eliminating the turnaround.
Ride the Eco-Changbai, Experience Neyin Culture, Enjoy Korean Charm
The Ancient City of Neyin is located in Chinan District, Changbai Mountain, at the end of the Jinjiang Grand Canyon, where the Jinjiang, Manjiang, and First Songhua Rivers converge. Historically, the Ancient City of Neyin was a military stronghold of the Neyin Tribe, known in Manchu as “Ehekuren,” under the jurisdiction of the Jianzhou Jurchens. It guarded the western and southern gateways to Changbai Mountain, featuring perilous terrain that was easy to defend but hard to attack. Here, visitors can listen to the legend of the goddess Fukuolun, follow in the footsteps of Minister Wu Monai, seek the hand axe honed over 50,000 years, glimpse the deities in Shaman culture, appreciate the great achievements of the Jurchen ancestors, worship the Changbai Mountain God, cycle through forested mysteries, ride horses on the southern slopes of Changbai, gallop along the Yalu River, and experience Korean culture.
On the check-in day, all participants can tour the Ancient City of Neyin for free and enjoy the natural hot springs in Chinan District. After the event, participants can visit scenic spots such as Wangtian’e in Changbai County.
After arriving in Changbai County, cyclists can ride along the Yalu River, with the North Korean city of Huichun visible across the river, offering a close-up experience of Korean culture.
A 12-hour, 200-kilometer ride is a true test of self-challenge. Maziride—be your own hero. All finishers will receive a national Maziride certification medal and souvenirs.
The 2018 Round Changbai Mountain Marathon Cycling Tour and Self-Ride Rally & Maziride Qualifier (Chinan District – Changbai County) is hosted by the Administrative Committee of Chinan District, Changbai Mountain, and the People’s Government of Changbai Korean Autonomous County. It is organized by the Business Tourism Bureau of the Administrative Committee of Chinan District, Changbai Mountain, and the Tourism Bureau of Changbai Korean Autonomous County, operated by the Maziride Sports Development Center, and co-organized by the Ancient City of Neyin, Changbai, Changbai All-for-One Tourism Company, Ziyu Manjiang Bay, Changbai Mountain Tianmu Days Hotel, Wangtian’e Scenic Area, Shengshan Alilang Tourism Culture Company, Changbai Unicom, Changbai Mobile, Great Earth Cycling Club, Changbai Mountain Bicycle Sports Association, Changbai Mountain Haidongqing Outdoor Tourism Company, and Shanghai Spring International Travel Agency (Group) Co., Ltd. The Jilin Provincial Tourism Development Commission Market Division and the Tourism Bureau of the Changbai Mountain Administrative Committee serve as guiding units. This race has no age or bike type restrictions, allowing cycling enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of riding in picturesque surroundings, ignite their passion, and find joy.
Maziride is short for Marathon Cycling Rally and is now in its 12th consecutive year. Inspired by the 42.195-kilometer marathon, Maziride’s cycling distance is an integer multiple of the marathon—421.95 kilometers, which is 10 times the marathon distance, to be completed within 24 hours. The Maziride qualifier covers a distance of 210.975 kilometers, half of the Maziride, and riders who complete it within 12 hours qualify for the main Maziride event.