Horde of riders at the International Cycling Race, Datong, Aug 23 [Photo by Chen Xudong/provided to Chinadaily]

When the city of Datong, Shanxi province, held its International Cycling Race, on Aug 23, it saw a deluge of more than 1,200 bicyclists from at least two dozen countries coming to join the festivities, a traditional part of the beginning of autumn.

The race is a part of the Yungang Tourism Festival and is organized by the city government, Bicycle Tourism Association (International Cycling Union), and China Cycling Association, with help from the urban tourism bureau with the idea of promoting tourism and innovative travelling.

At a ceremony, Datong got recognition as the Bicycle Tourism Association's China HQ, meaning longer term cooperation between the association and the city government in international activities of this kind. After all, cycling allows travelers to experience Datong culture and history in a unique way. Fittingly, it also attracted rock stars from China and abroad, motorcycle stunt riders, and kung fu practitioners from the Yungang martial arts school.

The race started at the city's Huayansi Square with city leaders leading the way alongside the cycling team, also on bicycle. The race lasted two days, during which time the cyclists got a good look at ecology parks and volcanic clusters around Datong.

Wang Wenbao, vice head of the Shanxi tourism bureau, and city leaders Cao Xuecheng, Cao Shiping and Guo Jungang were present at the opening ceremony.