Professional cyclists rush out from the starting line. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The Dajingshan stage of the 2025 China Road Pro Cycling League kicked off in Hangzhou's Yuhang district on May 11, drawing national attention to the region's scenic landscapes and setting the stage for a new wave of outdoor tourism.

As China's highest-level road cycling event, the league's opening race was broadcast live for 90 minutes on CCTV, showcasing the "mountain-and-water gallery" that is Dajingshan.

The professional race was paired with a popular amateur event — the Ring Dajingshan Road Cycling Race — which drew over 1,500 riders from across China and abroad, with 4,000 more joining an online version.

Cyclists ride through the picturesque landscapes of Daijingshan. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Yuhang is integrating outdoor sports with rural development, turning events into long-term engines for growth. Dajingshan now hosts year-round sports festivals, hiking and camping events, and even winter trail races. Government and community efforts have jointly built the region into a vibrant destination where sports and tourism go hand in hand.

By harnessing elite races to boost participation and consumption, Dajingshan is pedaling toward its goal of becoming a premier outdoor sports destination in China.

A bird's-eye view of Jingshan town in Yuhang district. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]