“Riding over mountains and through the wind” — the mass sports mountain biking competition of Wuhan’s 12th Municipal Games kicked off. This marks the first time a mountain biking event has been held in the history of the Wuhan Municipal Games.

The event took place at the Jiuzhen Wonderland Resort in Caidian District, Wuhan. Jiuzhen Mountain is the highest peak on the Jianghan Plain, featuring lush forests on the mountain and clear lakes below. Competitors raced with speed and passion along the picturesque mountain paths.

A total of 90 athletes from urban districts including Jianghan, Huangpi, East Lake High-Tech Zone, Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone, Jiangxia, Caidian, and Jiang’an participated. Li Xiang, a competitor from Caidian District, stood out by winning both the individual time trial and the men’s youth individual race.

“The track felt great — with uphill and downhill sections, bridges, water crossings, gravel paths, and a final sprint on a grassy straightaway. The conditions were comprehensive and the difficulty was moderate,” said Li Xiang. He is 32 years old and has been cycling for 11 years, usually focusing on road biking and only training specifically for mountain biking during competitions.

Zhao Qin, another competitor from Caidian District, won the individual time trial and the women’s open individual race. “Normally we ride road bikes, so it’s rare to have the chance to ride on mountain trails. It’s really fun,” said Zhao Qin, who is very passionate about cycling and rides weekly on Wuhan’s major greenways, covering distances of up to 100 kilometers per ride.

In recent years, as urban greenways and other infrastructure have improved, the number of cycling enthusiasts in Wuhan has grown rapidly, with over 100,000 people cycling regularly year-round, the vast majority of whom are road cyclists. “Actually, many cyclists are also very interested in mountain biking, but the lack of mountain biking trails has limited the development of the sport. With the completion of the bike trail at Jiuzhen Wonderland Resort, more and more enthusiasts will take up mountain biking,” it was noted. Mountain biking has broader application scenarios — it is not only suitable for off-road adventures but also for urban riding.

The mountain bike trail at Jiuzhen Wonderland Resort is 5.13 kilometers per lap. It was built to adapt to the natural terrain and features professional protective netting on rugged sections, providing both enjoyment and safety for riders.

“We built the mountain bike trail not only to host the Municipal Games but, more importantly, to create a high-quality sports venue and resort for cycling enthusiasts,” it was stated. In the future, the trail will be further upgraded to provide riders with an even better experience and to host higher-level professional mountain biking competitions.

Jiuzhen Wonderland Resort

Jiuzhen Wonderland Resort is a modern luxury resort located in the scenic mountains of Guizhou Province, China. It was built to provide visitors with a comfortable base to explore the region’s natural karst landscapes and ethnic Miao culture. While the resort itself is a recent development, it draws its name and inspiration from the nearby Jiuzhen Cave, a massive natural cavern system with a rich geological history.

Jiuzhen Mountain

Jiuzhen Mountain is a culturally significant Taoist site located in Hubei Province, China, historically revered as one of the “72 Blessed Places” in Taoism. It has been a destination for spiritual pilgrimages since ancient times, with temples and religious structures dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. The mountain is known for its serene natural beauty, ancient architecture, and its role in the development of Taoist practices and teachings.

Jianghan Plain

The Jianghan Plain is a fertile alluvial region in central China, formed by the sediment deposits of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Historically, it has been a vital agricultural heartland and a cradle of Chu culture during the Zhou Dynasty. Its strategic location has made it a significant area for trade, transportation, and human settlement for millennia.

Wuhan Municipal Games

The Wuhan Municipal Games are a multi-sport event organized by the city of Wuhan, China, to promote public fitness and discover local athletic talent. Historically, these games have served as a platform for amateur and grassroots athletes to compete, reflecting the city’s commitment to sports development and community health.

Caidian District

Caidian District is a suburban district of Wuhan, China, historically known as a center for agriculture. It is most famous as the reputed birthplace of the legendary figure Zhong Ziqi, a musician from the Spring and Autumn period whose story of friendship with Yu Boya is a celebrated part of Chinese culture. Today, it is an important area for Wuhan’s economic development and urban expansion.

Jianghan District

Jianghan District is the historic commercial and financial center of Wuhan, China, located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Its history as a bustling port and trading hub dates back centuries, with its name deriving from the two rivers it borders. Today, it remains a vibrant urban core known for its shopping streets, colonial-era architecture, and modern skyscrapers.

Huangpi District

Huangpi District is a suburban administrative region of Wuhan, China, with a history dating back over 3,500 years. It is renowned as the birthplace of the ancient Chu State culture and is a significant area for ancestral roots, being the origin of many overseas Chinese with the surname “Huang.” The district is also famous for its natural and cultural sites, most notably the Mulan Mountain, a national 5A-level scenic area dedicated to the legendary female warrior Hua Mulan.

East Lake High-Tech Zone

The East Lake High-Tech Zone, also known as Optics Valley of China, is a major high-technology industrial development zone located in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Established in 1988, it was a key national initiative to foster innovation and has since become a global hub for optoelectronics and telecommunications. It is home to numerous leading tech companies, research institutions, and universities, driving China’s advancements in fields like fiber optics and laser technology.