Mountain county in Shandong rides sports boom to drive rural vitalization

With a number of cycling events playing out on the scenic roads of Mengyin county in Linyi, and Go players gathering around chessboards in the spectacular Daguai landform area, this mountainous region in Shandong province has transformed its natural beauty and sporting passion into a powerful engine for economic growth.

In the first half of this year, Mengyin county hosted nine provincial-level or higher sporting events, covering dynamic cycling races and more intellectual pursuits or "mind sports". Such competitions attracted over 15,000 participants and accompanying personnel in total, generating nearly 20 million yuan ($2.96 million) in consumer spending — a remarkable feat for a small mountain county.

The cycling events, held on "the most beautiful cycling track in Shandong" wound their way through the lush Mengshan mountains, not only offered breathtaking views but also injecting fresh vitality into local tourism.

On June 19, the final round of the 26th Shandong Province Sports Games for road cycling began with the starting gun firing on the Ring Mengshan Tour Route in Mengyin county. Ahead of the 17-day competition period, many athletes from various cities trained in advance, causing all 18 homestays and farmhouses nearby to operate at full capacity. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy rates in the county seat exceeded 90 percent and daily food and beverage consumption increased two to threefold.

"We have successfully formed an integrated development model combining sports events, cultural tourism, and commerce," said Liu Zhuqing, an official from Mengyin county.

Moving forward, the county aims to build on this momentum, strengthening its reputation as a vibrant destination where sports, culture, and tourism converge to fuel high-quality development.

Cycling races amid Mengyin's picturesque landscapes drive the deep integration of sports, culture and tourism. [Photo/Langya News]

Editor：韩蒙蒙