In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to chat with a local journalist about the vibrant events that took place during the National Day holiday in the Helan Mountains. The area was alive with action, highlighted by a thrilling six-day Helan Mountain Auto and Motorcycle Off-Road Race held in the Dawan District of Shizuishan, Ningxia.
From an aerial perspective, the rugged landscape of the off-road venue featured a demanding 1.2-kilometer obstacle course that attracted over 200 professional motorcyclists and off-road enthusiasts. As the starting signal blared, riders sprang into motion, soaring over muddy stretches and executing stunning arcs before landing smoothly and powering ahead, showcasing their impressive driving skills. The roar of the motorcycles echoed through the valley, with clouds of dust swirling like smoke from a battlefield. Each leap and overtaking maneuver elicited gasps from the crowd, fueling the audience’s excitement as fans waved flags and cheered passionately for their favorite competitors.
The auto rally race brought its own unique challenges, with a winding 70-kilometer route cutting through the breathtaking scenery of Helan Mountain. Drivers faced a mix of terrains, from smooth asphalt to rough dirt roads, as well as narrow canyons and expansive fields. The air was filled with the sharp sounds of tires skidding as drivers maintained their focus, closely communicating with navigators to fine-tune their speed and strategy according to the ever-changing conditions.
This rally wasn’t just about speed; it was a strategic game as well. Competitors had to strike a balance between rapid navigation and thoughtful planning to avoid costly mistakes stemming from reckless driving. Some drivers seized the lead with their powerful vehicles and aggressive tactics, while others crept up later with steady maneuvers and precise navigation, making the competition both suspenseful and unpredictable.
One of the event’s highlights was the motorcycle parade, which took participants on a scenic ride along the Xinhai Lake Greenway amidst breathtaking mountain views. As the parade kicked off, the deep roar of engines resonated between the city’s skyscrapers, capturing the attention of passersby. Flags fluttered from windows, injecting a unique energy and passion into the urban landscape.
Simultaneously, the Dawan District hosted the Industrial and Cultural Tourism Carnival, featuring the “Hospitality to Dawan” National Day Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition. This event showcased five sets of intangible cultural heritage and creative stalls, highlighting traditional skills such as gourd carving, paper cutting, fabric arts, and cloisonné enamel work through interactive demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and product sales. Attendees were immersed in the rich tapestry of traditional culture blended with innovative spirit in an engaging format.
Additionally, a food festival alongside a variety of performances—including iron flower displays, circus acts, electronic dance parties, Sichuan opera face-changing, and magic shows—created an electrifying atmosphere that offered residents and visitors a uniquely delightful experience for both the eyes and taste buds.
