'Exciting Hangzhou' 2023 the First China Hangzhou (Tonglu) International Equestrian Open Kicks Off

On May 13, the "Exciting Hangzhou" 2023 the First China Hangzhou (Tonglu) International Equestrian Open (the "Open") was held at the Tonglu Equestrian Center. It is co-hosted by the Sport Bureau of Zhejiang Province and Hangzhou Municipal People's Government, organized by the People's Government of Tonglu County and COSCO Shipping Global Exhibition Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd., and implemented by the Tonglu Equestrian Center.

Upholding the general principle of a "simple, safe and spectacular" event, as well as the concept of a "green, intelligent, economical and civilized" event, the Open was attended by a total of 44 pairs of athletes and horses from seven countries and regions. Additionally, it also invited domestic and foreign organizations such as the International Equestrian Federation, Asian Equestrian Federation, and Chinese Equestrian Association, technical officials from home and abroad, national, provincial and municipal authorities of customs as well as agriculture and rural affairs, departments of the Asian Games Organizing Committee, observation groups from across the country, and representatives from all walks of life in Tonglu County.

The first 90-cm show jumping competition kicked off following the opening ceremony. The 100-110 cm and 110-120 cm show jumping competitions will be held from May 13 to 14. A total of six gold medals will be up for grabs.

The Open, an essential part of the preparations for the equestrian events of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, is held to meet the goals of "venue inspection, team training, orderly operation, and efficient coordination", and to conduct all-round tests on all links and aspects of the equestrian events for the Asian Games later this year. From September to October, it is expected that more than 200 pairs of riders and horses from over 20 countries and regions will come to the Tonglu Equestrian Center, the venue for the equestrian competitions of the Asian Games Hangzhou, to compete for the six gold medals offered in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. 

As the host county of the equestrian competitions of the Asian Games Hangzhou, Tonglu has always been committed to building a high-standard equestrian venue and making full preparations for equestrian events, with the about-54,000-sqm Tonglu Equestrian Center constructed. In order to ensure the safety of participating horses, Tonglu started the construction of an equine disease-free zone in August 2019. On January 4, 2022, the Hangzhou Tonglu Equine Disease-Free Zone passed a national assessment to become China's second equine disease-free zone. It also received the approval of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) at the end of March 2022, and WOAH's approval for extension on February 22, 2023, laying a solid foundation for the successful hosting of the equestrian competitions of the Asian Games Hangzhou. 

While making every effort to prepare for the equestrian competitions of the Asian Games Hangzhou, Tonglu also maps out how to better use the equestrian venue after the events. With a focus on introducing and fostering various business forms through combining equestrian with events, education and training, trade, and culture, Tonglu strives to progressively build Yaolin Town into China's most influential equestrian event center and a new hub for the equestrian industry.