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The first Tianhu Cross-Country event in Quanzhou took place on July 6, attracting 600 runners to race through alpine meadows and lakes at an average altitude of 1,600 meters. Participants described the scenery as "screensaver-worthy", making the event a standout.
Participants set off from the starting point. [Photo/Guilin Daily]
Located in Guilin's Tianhu eco-tourism area, the race route linked various scattered scenic spots, establishing an innovative "running + sightseeing" approach. This was a strategic move by Quanzhou to enhance its tourism offerings. Since 2014, the resort has received 900 million yuan ($125.7 million) in investments, resulting in the development of 29 attractions and facilities such as ski resorts, which laid a strong groundwork for combining "sports and tourism".
The event sparked a surge in consumption. During the week surrounding the race, spending on food and accommodation increased by over 30 percent, and some hotels experienced a 50 percent rise in occupancy. Many runners stayed longer to visit local attractions and enjoy regional cuisine, creating an "event-driven — consumption extension — tourism experience" chain.
Performers present Zhuang-style songs and dances before the race. [Photo/Guilin Daily]
Beyond the race, Quanzhou combines sports with diverse tourism resources. Its winter ski resort transforms "cold resources" into a "hot economy" by blending skiing with hot springs and cultural experiences. Red tourism sites, part of regional premium sports-tour routes, draw visitors to explore history while enjoying sporting activities.
In 2024, Quanzhou welcomed 8.03 million tourists, generating 8.44 billion yuan in revenue, an increase of 11.3 percent. The race signifies a new milestone in its "sports + tourism" strategy, promoting high-quality development and serving as a model for county-level tourism transformation.
