China News Service, Jincheng, September 7 (Ren Lina) On September 6, the 2026 China Triathlon League and Yangcheng Manghe Triathlon Open officially kicked off at Zhuyu Bay in Taihang, Manghe Scenic Area, Yangcheng, Shanxi.
Opening ceremony scene. Photo courtesy of China Triathlon League Organizing Committee
This is the first time that a national A-level event has been held in Yangcheng, and it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the founding of the China Triathlon League. More than 600 athletes from 27 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across the country gathered at the southern foot of Taihang and staged a contest of speed and endurance among the lakes and mountains.
"Iron Man" measures Taihang with his body
When the starting gun was fired, the athletes jumped into the open water of Zhuyu Bay, and swimming caps of various colors appeared one after another among the blue waves. After completing the swimming stage, the athletes quickly rushed into the transition area, changed clothes and picked up their bikes in one go, and immediately set foot on the bicycle track that ran through the Taihang Mountains. The mountain road is winding and undulating, with green hills on one side and lush vegetation on the other. At the end of the ride, switch to running mode and sprint along the shoreline of the Mang River towards the finish line. On both sides of the track, local people and tourists stopped to watch, and their cheers echoed throughout the valley.
The game scene. Photo courtesy of China Triathlon League Organizing Committee
The track is located in Taihang Zhuyu Bay Tourist Resort, close to the Manghe National Nature Reserve, and enjoys the beautiful scenery of "Little Guilin in the North". The 51.5-kilometer track has both the difficulty of professional competition and the appreciation value of changing scenery with each step.
"Running a triathlon in the city is completely different from running a triathlon in the mountains and rivers. Here we are truly integrated into nature." Contestant Hu Chenhao raised his thumbs with both hands after finishing the race.
"She Iron" debuts: tenderness and hardcore coexist
"Tathlon" is a women's exclusive event brand officially launched by the China Triathlon Association. The "Her Iron" Pink Triathlon Challenge, which settled in Yangcheng for the first time, has become a unique scenery on the field. After crossing the finish line, runner Feng Jingshuang said: "The water in the Mang River is very clear. The mountain breeze blows on my face while riding, and the sound of gurgling water can be heard in my ears while running. It is really a pleasure to challenge myself on such a track surrounded by mountains and water."
Award Ceremony. Photo courtesy of China Triathlon League Organizing Committee
On the field, the figures of female players fighting bravely complement each other with the calm and heavy urban background of Yangcheng and the beautiful landscape environment of Manghe River, making the iron-blooded competition full of gentle power.
The event sets up a stage for cultural tourism to "sing opera" to activate the city
Outside the stadium, "event setting, cultural tourism and opera" were performed simultaneously.
Next to the main venue, the concert has melodious melody; fireworks are rising at the food market, and the aroma of Yangcheng roasted liver, mixed vegetables, and millet pancakes is fragrant; and at the "Yangcheng Fengwu" market, there is a dazzling array of intangible cultural heritage and local goodies.
The "Follow the Champions to Yangcheng" activity was also launched simultaneously. Sports celebrities such as shooting Olympic champion Yang Ling, gymnastics Olympic champion Xing Aowei, and gymnastics world champion Mo Huilan, together with athletes and tourists, visited the Imperial City Xiangfu, Mang River, Tianguan Palace and other scenic spots.
Mo Huilan praised the beautiful environment of the venue where the event was held, the interdependence of mountains and rivers, and the well-preserved historical monuments in the scenic area with the same style as before. She said that she would strongly recommend her relatives and friends to go to Yangcheng, Shanxi for sightseeing and experience the unique natural and cultural charm of the place.
A series of policies to benefit the people have allowed visitors from all over the world to stay and travel in depth. From September 1 to September 10, 2026, participating athletes, referees, and staff can be exempted from first-pass tickets to A-level and above scenic spots in the county with their certificates; from September 1 to September 30, 2026, tourists nationwide with the word "iron" in their names can also enjoy the ticket-free policy for A-level and above scenic spots.
During the event, all kinds of public cultural venues and museums in Yangcheng County are open to tourists free of charge, and intangible cultural heritage skills such as Yangcheng drum books, pile-carrying stories, trouser horses, and waist drums are performed in turn.
A national-level event activates the vitality of a city. While triathletes are galloping on the track, Yangcheng's Taihang landscape, ancient castle folk customs, and health and wellness resources are seen by more people. The event not only directly drives up the consumption of scenic spots, catering and accommodation, and cultural and creative products, but also further promotes the city brand of "Youran Yangcheng·Health and Wellness Resort" to the whole country. (over)
