California News Reporter

As the curtains closed on the 2023 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference, held in Xingyi City of Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou, the world was left with a renewed sense of wonder for the untapped potential of mountain tourism and outdoor adventures. Hosted by the Guizhou Provincial People’s Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the General Administration of Sport of China, the conference took place from September 15th to 16th and was themed “Integration of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for a High-Quality Life.”

2023 Guizhou Shuicheng International High Bridge Extreme Sports Invitational Tournament (The world’s tallest bridge)

The event was a veritable smorgasbord of activities, carefully curated to showcase the best of mountain tourism and outdoor sports. Highlights included the opening ceremony, the 2023 Wanfenglin Half Marathon, and the annual meeting of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, featuring the World Famous Mountains Dialogue. The conference attracted over 800 guests from countries as diverse as China, France, the Maldives, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar, underscoring the global interest in this burgeoning sector.

But beyond the glitz and glamour of the conference lies the real star of the show: Guizhou’s pristine, untouched wilderness, waiting to be explored. Guizhou, a hidden gem in southwestern China, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities.

Unlike the well-trodden paths of the Swiss Alps or the commercialized trails of the Rocky Mountains, Guizhou’s mountainous terrain remains largely untouched. The province is home to the stunning Wuling Mountain Range, the awe-inspiring Maolan Karst Forest, and the serene Wujiang River, among other natural wonders. These landscapes offer a pristine backdrop for a variety of outdoor adventures, from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and rock climbing.

Revered as the “World’s Bridge Museum”，Guizhou is home to nearly half of the world’s top 100 highest bridges. This has paved the way for the inception of high-bridge extreme sports, a venture that has seen the province host several BASE Jumping competition at the Baling River Bridge, and the Beipanjiang Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, leaving participants from around the globe in awe of the exhilarating experience. The bridges also serve as a venue for other adrenaline-fueled activities such as bungee jumping, speed descending, and skywalking, fostering a harmonious blend of sports tourism and bridge resources.

The Zangke River in Liupanshui offers a paragliding paradise that rivals the renowned sites in Fethiye, Turkey. Since 2012, the annual Zangke River International Paragliding Invitational has beckoned paragliders from countries including Nepal, Romania, France, and Italy to compete against the backdrop of the majestic Laowang Mountain and the crystal-clear amber waters of the river. Participants and spectators alike have been left spellbound by the event, praising the breathtaking scenery and the high-level competition.

Nestled in Anshun’s Ziyun county, the Getu River is hailed as a “world rock climbing sanctuary”. The region’s diverse karst landscapes and picturesque vistas offer high-quality climbing routes that continually draw enthusiasts from around the world. With over 380 developed routes varying in style and difficulty, it has become a pilgrimage site for climbers.

Guizhou also boasts the impressive cave resources, including the “longest cave in Asia,” the Shuanghe Cave. Here, spelunking enthusiasts can delve into the depths of the earth, exploring the cave’s intricate networks and experiencing the enchantment of subterranean wonders firsthand.

The province’s efforts in promoting outdoor sports have not gone unnoticed by international big names in the industry. Many have lauded Guizhou’s initiatives, with some even describing the experiences as “once-in-a-lifetime adventures” and praising the “unparalleled natural beauty” that forms the backdrop to these extreme sports events.

What sets Guizhou apart from other international outdoor destinations is its rich tapestry of ethnic diversity. The province is home to various ethnic groups, including the Miao, Dong, and Bouyei, each with its unique traditions and crafts. Imagine trekking through ancient mountain paths only to stumble upon a local festival, where can experience traditional dances, music, and crafts firsthand. It’s an outdoor adventure and cultural immersion rolled into one.

In Guizhou, sports are not merely a form of physical exercise but a vivid tapestry of cultural expression. From dragon boat races to traditional dances, the province offers a unique blend of ethnic sports that are deeply rooted in its diverse communities. These activities are not only visually stunning but also highly participative, making them a unique attraction in Guizhou’s sports tourism landscape.

The Dragon Boat Festival in Shibing, Qiandongnan, is a spectacle that captures the essence of the Miao and Dong communities. Teams from various villages gather to race their intricately designed dragon boats, a tradition that dates back centuries. The event is not just a competition but a communal celebration that strengthens the bonds within and between communities.

In Pingtang, Qiannan, the Bouyei ethnic group celebrates the Water Dragon Festival, where locals engage in a series of water-based activities. The highlight is a unique dragon dance performed in the water, a mesmerizing blend of athleticism and artistry.

In Panzhou, Liupanshui, the Yi ethnic group celebrates the Swing Festival, where giant swings are set up for participants to swing as high as possible. This activity is not just thrilling but also symbolizes the hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

By seamlessly integrating sports events with ethnic culture, Guizhou offers a rich tapestry of ethnic sports that are both traditional and modern. Whether  a sports enthusiast or a cultural explorer, Guizhou provides a unique landscape that is waiting to be discovered.

Moreover, getting to Guizhou has never been easier. With its well-connected airports and high-speed rail networks, the province is accessible from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Once there, a well-developed infrastructure ensures that even the most remote areas are within reach.

While destinations like New Zealand and Costa Rica have long been on the radar of international adventure seekers, Guizhou offers an equally compelling, yet less crowded alternative. It’s a place where can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature, all while experiencing a unique cultural richness that is hard to find elsewhere.

So, if looking to venture off the beaten path and discover a world of untapped beauty and adventure, make Guizhou the next destination. The mountains are calling, and must go.

(Authors: Zhang Xiaosheng, Yao Jiongcen)

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