The starting line is packed with riders ready to get cycling. [Photo/Xinhua]

Nearly 200 riders from across the country set off through the lush countryside of Zhuanglang county, Gansu province to take part in a mountain bike invitational race on Aug 30, Xinhua reported.

A total of 34 teams from 16 provinces, municipal cities and autonomous regions saddled up for men’s, women’s and senior’s competitions.

A country path leads the way for competitors in the race.[Photo/Xinhua]

The 70 km-long course boasts beautiful scenery, winding its way through thick forests and tranquil lakes in front of a backdrop of mountain peaks.

Many riders expressed their happiness?for being able to ride through such a green and fresh landscape. Rider Lv Peng said, “What a wonderful experience. The landscape looks like a fairyland shrouded in cloud and mist.”

A rider bikes past lush scenery. [Photo/Xinhua]

Langzhuang county has long attracted tourists and visitors drawn in by its rich and fertile landscape. The area is often referred to as the “kingdom of terraced fields”, due to the vast amounts of produce grown in the area.

Xu Yi, Party chief of the county said that it hosted the race with the aim of promoting sporting spirit, encouraging more people to do sports and calling for greater low carbon environmental protection.

The Guanshan scenic spot in the county has several 4A level tourist attractions, such as the Yunya Temple and Gejia Cave. The area is listed as one of the three main scenic spots of Zhangye city.

?Edited by Owen Fishwick