On October 1, an exciting event unfolded in Yonghe County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province—the “Dragon Travels the Yellow River, 天下永和” 2024 “Hongyuan Cup” National Day Running Challenge at Qian Kun Bay. More than 600 participants from all over the country came together in picturesque Yonghe to enjoy breathtaking scenery, explore red culture, and immerse themselves in the unique allure of the Loess Plateau.
The race spanned approximately 8 kilometers, following the nationally recognized “Top Ten Most Beautiful Rural Roads”—specifically, the Shanxi Yellow River No. 1 Tourist Road (Yonghe Section). Starting at the low-altitude flight town in Yonghe County, the route led participants to the stunning Qian Kun Bay. This scenic road is celebrated for its breathtaking views and ecological richness, linking attractions like Qian Kun Bay, the Red Army’s East Expedition Memorial Hall in Yonghe, as well as scenic spots such as Loushan, Wanghai Temple, and Ge Mountain. The road embodies four major themes: “Yellow River Civilization, Ecological Tourism, Cultural Tourism Integration, and Rural Revitalization,” serving as a vital pathway for ecological development, cultural exploration, economic growth, and community well-being.
The challenge tested not only speed and strength but also courage and perseverance. After an intense competition, Wei Long claimed victory in the men’s category with a time of 24 minutes and 3 seconds, while Guo Liya took the top spot among women, finishing in 29 minutes and 10 seconds.
Winners were awarded a complimentary helicopter ride over the Yellow River, which not only delighted participants but also boosted enthusiasm for fitness and fostered a vibrant culture of sports and active living.
Gao Yongxian, the Party Secretary of Yonghe County, shared plans for the future: “We aim to capitalize on our rich cultural and tourism assets to elevate the standard of sporting events and infuse them with new meaning. Our goal is to turn ‘beautiful scenery’ into a ‘beautiful economy,’ thereby promoting rural revitalization.”