On April 26, the 25th Qinling Zhongnanshan Global Geopark Mountaineering Challenge came to a successful close at the Cuihuashan Scenic Area. As a key practice of the geopark’s integrated development of culture, tourism, and sports, the event was themed “Cuihua in Spring, Peak Fitness Together.” It attracted nearly a thousand mountaineering enthusiasts, using sport as a bond to link ecology and culture, showcasing the unique charm and dynamic vitality of the geopark.
The event was guided by the Xi’an Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Xi’an Qinling Ecological Environment Protection Administration, the Chang’an District People’s Government, and Xi’an Tourism Group. It was co-organized by the Qinling Zhongnanshan Global Geopark Management Center and Qinling Zhongnanshan Global Geopark Tourism Development Co., Ltd., hosted by the Cuihuashan Scenic Area, and co-organized by the Chang’an District Meteorological Bureau, Xi’an Fanyi University, Shaanxi Fifth People’s Hospital, among others. The operation was carried out by Shaanxi Sports Group Xifenglie Event Management Co., Ltd.
The competition featured two categories – the “Peak Challenge Group” (10 km) and the “Mountain Leisure Group” (6 km) – balancing professional competition with public participation, seamlessly integrating competitiveness, spectacle, and fun. After fierce races, all category awards were duly presented, with the competitors demonstrating remarkable fighting spirit and high-level athletic performance.
To enrich the event and enhance the experience, the race route was deeply integrated into the natural landscape of Cuihuashan Mountain, winding through the splendid spring scenery of the Qinling range. This allowed participants to immerse themselves in the ecological beauty and geological wonders of the Qinling while challenging themselves and striving upward. The event innovatively introduced a robot pacing session, promoting the deep integration of technology and sports, offering participants a novel interactive experience. Along the route, cultural cheer zones were set up to support the runners while conveying the local cultural charm of Cuihuashan Mountain.
The event also featured a range of supporting activities, notably the “Time Mailbox” initiative, inviting participants to write messages and keep their hopes, which will be returned by mail after five years, adding a unique emotional memento to the mountaineering journey. An online topic-sharing campaign was also launched, inviting netizens to share their stories with the Cuihuashan Mountain mountaineering race, further amplifying the event’s influence. In addition, an exclusive “event gift package” was offered, allowing participants to enjoy multiple discounts at nearby scenic spots, homestays, and restaurants upon presenting their race credentials, thereby stimulating the local economy and achieving a deep “event + culture & tourism” integration.
Since its inception, the Qinling Zhongnanshan Global Geopark Mountaineering Challenge has become an important link between nationwide fitness and ecological cultural tourism. Looking ahead, the Qinling Zhongnanshan Global Geopark will continue to leverage its high-quality geological, ecological, and cultural tourism resources, fully tap into its world-class brand value, and constantly innovate industry cooperation models to create a Qinling model in which a global geopark empowers the cultural tourism industry and drives economic development.
