Competition Amidst Scenic Beauty: Fifth Tonglu Shengxianli Triathlon Kicks Off

On May 18, the Fifth Tonglu Shengxianli Triathlon kicked off at the Shengxianli Scenic Area in Hecun Township, with nearly 600 athletes competing fiercely amidst stunning natural landscapes.

As a B-level event certified by the China Triathlon Sports Association, the year's race featured age-group categories for the full distance, relay teams, and a swim-run combination. In addition to upgraded race standards, the overall participant experience was significantly enhanced. British athlete Benjamin David Deady praised the continuous improvement of the course over the years, while participant Huang Fangtao remarked on the scenic beauty of the track and the vibrant race atmosphere.

This year's event also featured an on-site market with displays of intangible cultural heritage and discounted travel packages to attract more tourists. In recent years, Hecun Township has leveraged such events as a catalyst for tourism, promoting a development model of "sports setting the stage, culture and tourism taking the spotlight, and benefits shared by all." Over the past five years, the township has averaged 500,000 annual visitors, with local B&Bs generating over CNY 15 million in annual revenue.

Going forward, Hecun Township will continuously tap into event resources to advance the development of a sports and leisure township in Zhejiang Province, and foster deeper integration of culture, tourism, and sports.