Over 1,500 cyclists tackle Zhangjiajie's annual Sky Road event

More than 1,500 cyclists from home and abroad gathered in Zhangjiajie, Central China's Hunan province, over the weekend for an annual cycling event that challenged their skills on the region's dramatic mountain roads.

The two-day event, held in the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, attracted 1,531 participants ranging in age from 14 to 72, including 159 international cyclists from countries such as Russia, Germany, Canada, and Brazil.

The first day featured a road race that wound through villages and tunnels, offering a picturesque blend of urban and rural scenery. On the second day, cyclists faced the 18-kilometer Sky Road challenge, which required them to climb from 180 meters above sea level to nearly 1,100 meters. This route is infamous for its 99 sharp bends, with repeating hairpin turns and long uphill stretches that test endurance and skill, making the event a big draw for cyclists.

Now in its 13th year, the race is part of Zhangjiajie's broader initiative to combine sports with tourism. Participants are offered free entry to the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area and discounts at other local attractions.