Chongqing - The "Striving Forward in Yuzhong, Leading with Vitality" 2025 Diplomatic Officials Yuzhong Tour: The Hongyan Rail Transit Station Vertical Marathon Experience Competition ignited enthusiasm on social media this morning, captivating fans of vertical racing. The event, part of celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Chongqing's rail transit system, saw more than 100 participants, including representatives from consulates general, foreign institutions, Hong Kong and Macao compatriots, international media, and foreign students.

The 2025 Diplomatic Officials Yuzhong Tour: The Hongyan Rail Transit Station Vertical Marathon Experience Competition kicked off. (Photo/The Organizer)

Co-organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Chongqing Municipality and the People's Government of Yuzhong District, with support from the Chongqing Daily News Group and Chongqing City Transportation Development & Investment Group Co., Ltd., the event blended sports with urban culture.

The participants are warming up. (Photo/Deng Nan)

International Participation and High Spirits

During warm-ups, international students, dressed in athletic gear, eagerly took photos at the starting line. Anton, a student from Russia, shared, "I think it was quite challenging, but at the same time it was very interesting. I will recommend all foreign friends in Chongqing to try this." 

Anton, a student from Russia, took part in the vertical marathon. (Photo/The Organizer)

A group from Chongqing Medical University expressed strong confidence, with one stating, "We are good runners - we will definitely win!" Their enthusiasm paid off, as Qosai, a Palestinian student from the university, clinched the men's division title. According to faculty lead Qin Ke, the university frequently involves international students in activities, with over 50 signing up for this race.

A group of international students from Chongqing Medical University. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Rishika, a participant from India, was thrilled after receiving a medal: "I didn't expect that I would get a medal! Because most days I go to the gym and do my workout, I don't think it's tough for me. I also encouraged my friends to participate so we could experience this adventure together." She also tried face painting for the first time, adding, "Actually, I thought that this gonna be a unique thing, so I had a try."

Rishika, a participant from India, tried face painting for the first time. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Celebrating Two Decades of Rail Transit Milestones

An exhibition highlighting Chongqing Rail Transit's 20-year achievements drew significant attention. Located in the transfer corridor between Lines 9 and 5 at Hongyan Station, the display featured playful paper-art installations emblematic of the city, becoming a popular photo spot.

Wang Ya, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Chongqing Daily News Group, detailed the system's evolution from a single line to a comprehensive network spanning monorail, metro, and suburban railway services. "Chongqing's rail development is not only a testament to China's infrastructure prowess but also a miracle in the global history of metro construction," Wang noted.

Wang Ya, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Chongqing Daily News Group, introduces the 20th Anniversary Construction Achievement Exhibition of CRT. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Valentin Touris, Consul General of Uruguay in Chongqing, expressed admiration while touring the exhibition. A frequent metro rider, he marveled at iconic projects like the world's first monorail-exclusive river-crossing bridge, Yu'ao Jialing River Bridge (Monorail Line 3), the world’s largest single-pylon, single-cable-plane cable-stayed bridge, Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge (Line 6), and the world's longest-span cable-stayed bridge with steel truss girders dual-use for both road and rail, Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge (Line 18). He also highlighted Liziba Station's unique design as a must-see for visitors. After watching a dynamic demonstration of track switching, Valentin praised Chongqing's "top 10 standout achievements" as exemplary and voiced eagerness for future Uruguay-Chongqing cooperation in rail transit, alongside extending Mid-Autumn Festival greetings.

A New Urban Experience

The relaxed yet energetic atmosphere allowed participants to experience the metro's commuting space transformed into a vibrant sports arena. The Hongyan Vertical Marathon not only created a fresh urban cultural symbol but also inspired new thinking on utilizing public spaces for community engagement, marking a memorable celebration of Chongqing's transportation milestones.

All competitors took a group photo after the vertical marathon. (Photo/The Organizer)