A marathon to join the tourism race

Runners pass Huizhou's classic paifang archways during the marathon. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Anhui province's Huangshan city is painting a new finish line for its tourism ambitions, starting with Huizhou district's first marathon on April 10.

The event was unique in that runners competed on mountain paths lined with spring flowers.

The race route passed ancient villages of the Hui-style architecture that features white buildings capped with dark roofs, says the district's Party secretary, Cheng Hong.

The route crossed major scenic spots, including the Qiankou Civil Residence built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Chengkan's ancient lanes, Lingshan's terraced fields and Hui-style houses.

More than 1,800 runners from home and abroad signed up for the marathon and a 5-kilometer mini-marathon.

Runners received "Huizhou passports" that provide discounted traveling, shopping and accommodation.

Cycling and water sports will be added to the annual event, Cheng says.

The district's travel-development plan released in March integrates sports, culture and industry.