A mountain bike race attracting some 200 cyclists took place at Mianshan Mountain on April 3 as a part of a tourism and culture festival in Jiexiu county, Shanxi province.

The 7-kilometer race traversed the Mianshan Mountain scenic area. Entrants mostly came from cycling clubs across Shanxi to experience the exciting contest. Yu Tao, a contestant from Hainan province, has even been cycling across China.

The opening ceremony of mountain bike race on Mianshan Mountain is held on April 3 in Jiexiu county, Shanxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The competition lasted for about 20 minutes, with Yang Qihang winning the men's group with a time of 15 min 50 sec. Su Yue lead the women's division with a time of 19 min 20 sec.

Holding the race in the scenic area, which combines sport with sightseeing, is favored by many cycling enthusiasts. "It's enjoyable to appreciate the scenery along the road while cycling," said Su Yue.

Cyclists cross the race finish line on Mianshan Mountain, April 3. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Mianshan Mountain scenic area has been promoting leisure travel and reviving the folk customs of the Cold Food Festival and Tomb Sweeping, traditional Chinese festivals for honoring ancestors.

The mountain bike race is a new attempt to improve Mianshan Mountain's reputation and promote the local surroundings, tourism and culture, according to the organizer of the competition.

Apart from the race, the scenic area also held folk performances and an ancestor worship ceremony in memory of Jie Zitui, a loyal courtier of the Jin State during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

Cyclists race up Mianshan Mountain on April 3. [Photo/Xinhua]