The International Glanfondo Cycling Festival kicked off in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Nov 8.

Cyclists from over 20 countries took part in a race, which began in Yiliang county, 90 kilometers away from central Kunming. Yiliang county is a scenic spot rich in natural and cultural landscapes, and national customs.

As part of the festival, races were held in four other regions in Yunnan: the cities of Yuxi and Lijiang, and Chuxiong Yi and Dali Bai autonomous prefectures. The routes in the five regions of the province covered 540 kilometers. The highest altitude among sections of the routes was 3,000 meters above the sea level. Cyclists passed through famous scenic spots such as Fuxian Lake, Yi People ancient town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

The festival’s origins lie in Italy. The word “Ganfondo” means “the longest distance” or “the permanent insistence” in Italian. Yunnan held this year’s festival as a way of promoting the province’s culture, sports and tourism sectors.

Cyclists take part in the International Glanfondo Cycling Festival in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Nov 8. [Photo/kunming.cn]

Foreign cyclists take a photo at the International Glanfondo Cycling Festival in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Nov 8. [Photo/kunming.cn]

This year’s International Glanfondo Cycling Festival route passes through some breathtaking natural scenery in Kunming, Yunnan province. [Photo/kunming.cn]

Edited by Jacob Hooson