World’s Highest Cycling Race Showcases China’s Eco-Civilization

The 2025 Tour of Magnificent Qinghai is a premier road cycling event that highlights the ecological preservation, cultural tourism integration, and rural revitalization efforts in China’s Qinghai Province. This event paints a vibrant picture of a plateau where ecology and culture live symbiotically.

High Altitude, Challenging Races, Spectacular Scenery

The race commenced on July 6 in Xining, the ancient plateau city and capital of Qinghai Province. Known previously as the Tour of Qinghai Lake, the rebranded race has grown into one of the most prominent road cycling events in Asia, situated at an average elevation of 3,000 meters. Qinghai’s challenging yet beautiful routes are renowned among cycling enthusiasts.

In its 2025 edition, the race consists of eight stages spanning 1,400 kilometers, drawing in 154 professional cyclists from 11 different nations. The event concludes in Haiyan County on July 13, with the highest altitude reaching 3,869 meters.

Over the past 24 years, the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has earned its place as an iconic event on the international cycling calendar, now ranked as a UCI ProSeries race. The Governor of Qinghai Province expressed that this race stands as a symbol of a beautiful and strong sporting nation and advocates the open and pioneering spirit of the local communities on the Qinghai Plateau.

The President of the International Cycling Union recognized its historical significance in the UCI racing legacy, pinpointing its transformation into a UCI ProSeries event that continues to attract top-tier talent. The riders embarking on this journey are well aware of the challenging yet rewarding roads ahead, ultimately contributing to the beauty of Qinghai.

Passion and Ecology in Harmony

Qinghai Province, identified as the “Water Tower of China,” is enriched with lakes and diverse wildlife at the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers. The commitment to building an international ecological civilization alongside this prestigious cycling event signifies a dedication to sustainability.

The Tour of Magnificent Qinghai serves as a testament to Qinghai’s ecological efforts, passing through scenic locales like the Twelve Turns of Huzhu and Zhuoer Mountain. The unique landscape offers a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

The Director of the Qinghai Provincial Sports Bureau stressed the significance of utilizing ‘green’ sports as a medium to emphasize the province’s dedication to environmental protection, especially regarding areas like the Sanjiangyuan, Qinghai Lake, and the ecological routes of the event.

Since the establishment of a national park in 2017, there has been a 15% improvement in vegetation and ecological quality in the Qilian Mountains National Park, where critical stages of the race are held. Additionally, water conservation and biomass recovery have shown significant progress.

The Qinghai Lake, central to the event, continues to flourish as a national wetland park, demonstrating integrated conservation of natural resources. The spawning phase of Qinghai Lake’s naked carp is another extraordinary natural occurrence that complements the scenic backdrop of the cycling event.

As the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai pushes forward, the province evolves in its endeavors towards high-quality, sustainable development. It is fast becoming a hub for industries like salt lake resources and renewable energy, reinforcing food security and facilitating new energy transitions.

Plateau Culture and Development

Qinghai is a melting pot of harmonious multi-ethnic groups such as the Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, Tu, and Salar. The cycling event has grown into a cultural bridge, promoting exchanges and fostering rural rejuvenation.

At the heart of the cultural decorum associated with this event is stilt-walking, a traditional art form inherited by locals like 20-year-old Guo from Lusha’er Town. Performances in Duoba Base ahead of the race stages offer a glimpse of cultural richness, resonating with traditional festivals and ensuring the continuance of Qinghai’s cultural heritage.

A key economic activity along the race route is in places like Dongge’er in Shinaihai Town, which evolves around the Dongge’er Fish Watching Platform. Establishing a cultural tourism company has fostered the sale of local agricultural and livestock products, transforming herders into entrepreneurs.

The growth of the cycling industry in Xihai Town, situated in Jin Yintan Grassland, underpins the cultural history filled with vivid tales and harmonious melodies.

Through consistent ecological protection and strategic development, Qinghai has transitioned from a remote locale to a significant exemplar of a modern, eco-friendly plateau. The Tour of Magnificent Qinghai continues to encapsulate the symbiotic relationship between nature and human ingenuity.