SHENZHEN officially kicked off the 2025 Outdoor Sports Season on March 21, with a vibrant cycling event that drew hundreds of enthusiastic participants to Taizi Bay Coastal Park in Shekou, Nanshan District. Under the bright morning sun, cyclists embarked on a scenic route along the coastline, marking the start of a whole month filled with outdoor activities aimed at promoting physical fitness and community engagement. This year’s outdoor sports season spans seven categories, including cycling, hiking, orienteering, outdoor camping, kite flying, extreme sports (such as parkour), and a model cars and aircraft exhibition. The initiative encourages citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and discover the natural beauty of Shenzhen while engaging in various sports. In recent years, Shenzhen has actively explored practical paths for building ecological civilization, vigorously promoting the “Mountain-Sea Vista” plan, which aims to create a premium outdoor paradise that integrates mountains and seas, with spaces suitable for strolling, adventure, and competitions. The city’s outdoor sports industry has made significant strides, developing a comprehensive system covering mountains, seas, land, and air. The city has also introduced numerous initiatives such as the “Shenzhen Mountain-Sea Vista Three-Year Implementation Plan (2023-2025),” the “Shenzhen National Fitness Implementation Plan (2022-2025),” and the “Shenzhen 14th Five-Year National Fitness Facility Improvement Action Plan.” Additionally, publications like “Walking Shenzhen” and “Cycling Shenzhen” have been released to encourage residents to explore and fall in love with the city through walking and cycling. According to the “2023 Annual Survey and Analysis Report on Sports Consumption of Shenzhen Residents,” cycling has emerged as one of the city’s favorite sports, ranking just behind badminton, running/walking, basketball, and mountaineering, said Pan Yong, president of the Shenzhen Bicycle Sports Association. “There is a growing trend where bicycles are increasingly appreciated not only as a means of transportation but also as a fashionable and eco-friendly recreational option.” Pan added that there is a significant rise in the number of cycling enthusiasts in the city, estimating around 350,000 to 400,000 passionate riders. “This increase is attributed to several factors, including the development of dedicated cycling paths and greenways, the presence of numerous bicycle businesses for easy access to gear, and Shenzhen’s favorable climate, which encourages outdoor activities year-round,” said Pan. Citizens are encouraged to explore established routes to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while staying safe.Experts in outdoor sports advise participants to follow a gradual approach to fitness, ensuring safety particularly in demanding activities like hiking and mountaineering, which require appropriate preparation and equipment. They also emphasize on proper techniques and exercise intensity, highlighting that outdoor recreational activities can greatly enhance both physical and mental well-being. (Tang Li) | 