Xining, Qinghai, China, July 10, 2026 — The 25th Tour of Magnificent Qinghai officially opened on Friday morning at the Qinghai Sports Center in Xining, marking the start of another edition of one of the world's premier high-altitude professional road cycling races.

Held at the height of Qinghai's summer, when Xining—known as China's "Summer Capital"—is at its most picturesque, the annual race once again welcomes elite cyclists from around the globe to compete across the breathtaking landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The eight-day race will take place from July 11 to July 18, concluding at the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake. Covering a total distance of 1,627 kilometres, the event features eight stages, including 1,355 kilometres of racing, 17 kilometres of ceremonial riding, and 255 kilometres of transfers. This year's route spans two prefecture-level cities and two autonomous prefectures in Qinghai Province—Xining, Haidong, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture—passing through Xining's urban area as well as Huangyuan County, Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Huangzhong District, Guide County, Gonghe County, Gangca County, Haiyan County, and the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake.

More than 150 riders representing 22 teams from four continents will compete in this year's edition, including one UCI WorldTeam, eight UCI ProTeams, and 13 UCI Continental Teams, underscoring the race's growing international profile.

The route for the 25th edition marks a major highlight with the return of the race's complete circuit around Qinghai Lake for the first time in several years. Riders will once again experience one of professional cycling's most spectacular high-altitude courses, passing through many of Qinghai's iconic natural and cultural landmarks, including downtown Xining, the ancient town of Dangar in Huangyuan, Huzhu Native Land Park, Beilong Mountain Scenic Area, the Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area, Gangshika Snow Mountain, Kanbula National Forest Park, Jinyintan (Atomic City), and Qinghai Lake. Traversing vast grasslands, pristine lakes, rivers, forests, snow-capped mountains and seasonal flower fields, the course not only showcases Qinghai's exceptional natural beauty but also reflects the province's commitment to integrating major sporting events with ecological conservation, cultural tourism and regional economic development.

The race offers a balanced mix of flat, hilly and mountain stages, with an average elevation approaching 3,000 metres above sea level. The unique challenges of racing at altitude remain a defining feature of the Tour, while the varied terrain provides opportunities for different types of riders to excel. Competitors will contest multiple classifications, including the General Classification, King of the Mountains, Points Classification, Best Asian Rider, Team General Classification, and Best Asian Team Classification, ensuring competitive racing throughout the event.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Luo Dongchuan, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee and Governor of Qinghai Province, said: "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai. Over the past quarter century, the race has become an important platform for international exchange, mutual learning and win-win cooperation. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and with the guidance and support of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the General Administration of Sport of China, and China Media Group, the event has continued to evolve and is now recognized as one of the world's leading professional road races held at high altitude.

"Guided by the theme of 'Green, Humanity, Harmony and Experience,' the Tour has carried riders through Qinghai's snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes and vibrant flower fields, introducing the province's extraordinary landscapes to audiences around the world while serving as an important window through which Qinghai engages with the international community.

"Over the past 25 years, the Tour has also demonstrated how sport can contribute to people's well-being and regional development. Beyond elite competition, it has become an important platform for promoting ecological conservation, improving livelihoods, fostering ethnic unity and supporting Qinghai's high-quality economic and social development."

Building on its international platform, this year's race will further showcase Qinghai's spectacular landscapes, rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic traditions to audiences around the world, inviting visitors to experience the province while generating new momentum for local economic development. By promoting the integration of elite sport with ecological conservation, rural revitalization, cultural tourism and commercial development, the race continues to evolve beyond a world-class cycling race into an international showcase for Qinghai and an important platform for sharing the province's story with the world.

The 25th Tour of Magnificent Qinghai officially gets underway on July 11, with Stage 1 starting in Xining. The race will be broadcast live throughout the event, and fans worldwide are encouraged to follow the Tour's official channels for live coverage, race results and the latest updates.