Chongqing - What happens when you treat the majestic Three Gorges as a natural sports park and explore its heart on two wheels? The answer is a breathtaking experience that blends elite sport with unforgettable travel.
The riders waded through the mist and rain of Wushan. (Photo/The Organizer)
From October 17-19, the 2025 Three Gorges Cycling Tour saw riders from 13 countries carving through mountain mists by day and cruising the Yangtze by night. This unique "half-cycling, half-cruise" rhythm created a groundbreaking multi-day race format, showcasing Chongqing's innovative approach to outdoor sports development.
Small Wheels, Big Impact: A Symphony of Motion and Stillness
The event's revolutionary format seamlessly connected stages across Wushan, Yunyang, and Wanzhou through a "cycling + cruise transfer" system. By day, riders conquered challenging courses: Wushan's 37.4km "Sky Road" climbing from the high-speed rail station to cloud-shrouded Motianling; Yunyang's 47km route winding between river views and sloping roads; and Wanzhou's demanding urban circuit.
Riders sprinted away from the starting line in Wanzhou. (Photo/The Organizer)
By night, the "Yangtze Memory" cruise ship served as a floating hotel and recovery center. Riders enjoyed comfortable accommodations, shared stories over meals, and woke up refreshed at the next stage's starting point - eliminating the usual fatigue of ground transfers.
"This completely changes the multi-day race experience," said professional cyclist Shao Junqi, 27. "I've done PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), but living on a cruise between stages is something entirely new." After placing third in the Wushan stage, he praised the event's organization and vowed to return.
Riders checked in aboard the "Yangtze Memory" cruise ship. (Photo/The Organizer)
The "small wheels" of bicycles effectively turned the "big wheel" of the cruise ship, creating an innovative model that sets new standards for domestic cycling events.
Competition Meets Community: Where Elite Sport Meets Public Participation
The event struck a perfect balance between professional competition and public engagement. With multiple categories and accessible mass participation rides, cyclists of all levels found their place in the action.
The camaraderie extended beyond the race course. On the evening of October 17th, riders from across China surprised fellow competitor Liu Xuqing with a birthday celebration aboard the cruise. The 30-year-old programmer from Shaanxi, who discovered cycling three years ago for the "sense of freedom," called this year's event "unmissable" after learning about it in 2024.
Liu Xuqing was in action during the ride. (Photo/The Organizer)
"Each bend revealed new stunning views," Liu said of the challenging Wushan climb. "Riding through those clouds was absolutely magical."
Local communities rolled out their finest hospitality. Wushan treated visitors to its signature grilled fish and local delicacies; Yunyang entertained with traditional performances; while Wanzhou showcased local products and cultural creations at pop-up markets along the course.
Connecting Resources: The Chongqing Model for Event Excellence
According to organizers, the event's success stems from strategic resource integration. "A strong sports IP must leverage local advantages to deliver comprehensive value," explained a Chongqing Sports Bureau official. "We aim to create genuine chemistry between sports, tourism, and culture."
Riders took photos to capture the moment. (Photo/The Organizer)
The course design maximized natural assets, turning the Three Gorges landscape itself into the star attraction. Cultural elements - from opening ceremony performances to roadside heritage displays - were woven seamlessly into the athlete experience rather than treated as separate attractions.
The cruise ship represented another innovation: a mobile operations base that elevated event services while providing unique comfort and convenience to participants.
The cruise ship docked for the transition. (Photo/The Organizer)
Beyond the Finish Line: Chongqing's Outdoor Sports Vision
The Three Gorges Cycling Tour represents just one piece of Chongqing's broader outdoor sports strategy. The municipality's dramatic topography - with its mountains, gorges, and rivers - provides ideal conditions for developing diverse outdoor activities.
"We're committed to mountain development, waterway utilization, and smart urban-scenic integration," said Du Xueyong, Deputy Director-General of the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Sports.
A vibrant performance was held at Yunyang's Zhangfei Temple Square. (Photo/The Organizer)
Other districts are cultivating their own specialties: Nan'an with mountain biking, Jiulongpo with rock climbing, and multiple districts developing paragliding - creating a "one district, one specialty" development pattern.
Yunyang County exemplifies this approach. Major investments in sports infrastructure - including a 33-km lakeside greenway and sports parks - complement event hosting. Their nine-year run of national beach volleyball tournaments has attracted 20 million visitors and generated approximately 140 million USD in economic impact through integrated sports-tourism-commerce initiatives.
Through curated sports tourism routes and related industry development, Chongqing is transforming its natural beauty into sustainable economic value.
Wherever the cycling procession went, citizens lined the streets, cheering them on. (Photo/The Organizer)
"The Three Greeks Cycling Tour demonstrates our innovative approach to creating world-class outdoor experiences," the Sports Bureau official concluded. "We will continue developing premium sports IPs that showcase Chongqing's unique advantages."