The 2024 Qingyuan Corridor Bridge National Mountain Field Cross Country Race kicks off in Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2024 Qingyuan Corridor Bridge National Mountain Field Cross Country Race kicked off on Nov 2 in Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, attracting over 2,500 professionals and hobbyists from around the world.

Lishui is renowned for its cultural relics and hosts 85 ancient corridor bridges. Qingyuan county boasts 130 corridor bridges, including 23 wooden arch corridor bridges, making it the county with the highest number and concentration of these historical structures.

The race featured 33-kilometer, 13-kilometer, and 5-kilometer groups, and its routes connected unique ancient villages and corridor bridges. Participants ran through forests, bamboo groves, and mountains, and experienced Qingyuan's rich corridor bridge culture, natural beauty, and rural charm.

This year's event saw over 200 international participants from more than 30 countries and regions, including Russia and Nigeria.

This distinctive cultural sports event has been held for six years. This year's race was elevated to a national-level event, increasing its standards and expanding its influence.

With its stunning mountains, waters, and scenery, Qingyuan is poised to become a top destination for hikers and water sports enthusiasts, as stated by a representative from the Qingyuan county bureau of culture, radio, television, tourism, and sports.