SOME SCENIC SPOTS FOR SCENIC SPORTS
Races through Gansu’s colorful rock formations, volcanic craters and the Gobi are helping Yumen’s tourism dash forward.
An ocean of yellow, red and grey mountains cascades before those who stand atop the high ridge — a rim of rock so narrow, there’s barely enough stone to stand on.
It’s truly a balancing act — especially for the acrophobic.
Roaring winds seem to threaten to throw you over the edge. But the view is worth the risk. Standing is one thing. Sprinting is another.
As if climbing the peaks of Gansu province’s Yumen Moshan National Park wasn’t hard at any pace, a growing number of competitive runners are dashing to — and through — this tricky terrain.
Nearly 800 participants from 12 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the United States and Italy, competed in cross-country contests in early September.
The races, hosted by Chinese sporting-event organizer Migu Running, were part of the Skyrunner World Series approved by the International Skyrunning Federation.
Runners competed in 60-kilometer, 30-km and 10-km routes through Gansu’s distinctive Danxia landforms, the Gobi Desert, mountains, valleys and craters.
“The competition was extremely demanding,” says Italian Francesca Canepa, who won the gold medal in the women’s 60-km category, clocking in at eight hours and 15 seconds.
Chinese contestants took gold in the men’s 60-km and 30-km, and the women’s 30-km categories.
“I felt helpless and frustrated when I got lost in the vast Gobi,” says Yang Pengsheng, who won the 30-km race, crossing the finish line in three hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds.
“I couldn’t see anyone anywhere. But the view was unforgettable. I eventually found my way and overcame all my negative energy.”
The sweeping landscapes’ rugged topography is perfect for cross-country competitions, the race’s director Etienne Rodriguez says.
The 10-km route was added this year to enhance accessibility.
“We wanted to involve the local population and encourage people from Yumen to explore the beauty of the landscape without making it overwhelming,” Rodriguez says.
“We were very pleased with the turnout. It’s great to see the enthusiasm that transpired on race day.”
The second half of the 10-km race passed through narrow sand canyons that change from red, to green, to white, to grey over just a few kilometers.
The 30-km course winds through the back of red canyons, and along ridges and dunes.
The 60-km competition was sloped along stunning ridgelines near an extinct volcano, down to the Gobi’s plains and then toward the high mountains on the valley’s other side.
The mountainous section begins with a 1,500-meter-high ascent over 8 km, testing competitors’ endurance and strength
tourism bureau
to the fullest.
Runners could view the entire course from the very top — at an altitude of 3,200 meters.
The local government hopes the cross-country event will help tourism.
“It’ll put this beautiful, pristine park on the map,” Yumen tourism bureau’s director Gao Zhengsheng says.
“The Danxia landforms, volcanoes, petrified wood and animal fossils are all worth exploring.”
The race attracted over 300 professional runners from home and abroad when it debuted last year.
Many returned to the park as visitors after the competition, Gao says.
Yumen has launched five themed routes to attract travelers this year.
They feature petroleum culture, outdoor activities and rafting experiences.
A 20 million yuan ($3 million) annual fund has been earmarked for cultural-tourism development.
Arrivals have increased since the city developed several national-level scenic spots.
Yumen recorded 1.4 million visits in the first six months of 2017, up nearly 18 percent year-on-year. Tourism income exceeded 1 billion yuan, up about 15 percent.
The city received 3 million visits last year, a roughly 27 percent increase over 2015. Tourism income grew 30 percent to 2.6 billion yuan.
Yumen will develop a sports town, and host rafting and auto races, Gao says.
Indeed, a growing number of travelers are discovering it truly is a place to enjoy great outdoor sports in the great outdoors.
The Danxia landforms, volcanoes, petrified wood and animal fossils are all worth exploring.”