The Xinjiang Beyond Your Imagination: A 2,000m Cloud-Top Riding Tour

Sayram Lake Cycling Race Upgraded to International Event

Sayram Lake, a nationally protected scenic area and wetland park in Xinjiang’s Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture near Kazakhstan, will host the 17th Sayram Lake Cycling Tour from May 31 to June 4

First held in 2007 and upgraded to a national-level competition in 2013, the race has become one of China’s premier road cycling events. It is called the “most beautiful event” by amateur cycling enthusiasts from all over the country. This year, it will expand into an international tournament, featuring over 60 professional teams and 400 athletes from across China and abroad.

Photo of previous Sayram Lake Cycling Race

This year’s event will introduce a women’s elite category. Many female cyclists have shown strong interest in it, with many signing up and inquiring. Additionally, the race will debut an amateur participation ride on the final day, offering 1,000 slots for amateur cycling enthusiasts to experience the professional track.

The total race distance around the lake is 436 kilometers, with elevation change of nearly 2,000 meters. During the ride, cyclists can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains, deserts grasslands, and alpine scenery.

Xinjiang Builds “Driver Homes” at Border Ports to Serve Foreign Truckers

Xinjiang, which shares borders with eight countries including Russia and Kazakhstan, handled over one million cross-border vehicle transits last year. To improve conditions for international freight truckers, the region has built 16 “Driver Home” service facilities—10 at border checkpoints and six in logistics parks—with 12 additional locations planned this year. The checkpoint facilities provide short-term amenities for truckers during customs clearance, while those in logistics parks cater to truckers requiring longer stays between cargo transfers.

Truckers watching TV at a Drivers’ Home

The Khorgos Port, the world’s largest dry port, is a vital trade gateway between China and Kazakhstan. Local government has built five international “Driver Homes” covering over 2,600 square meters. These facilities offer comprehensive one-stop services for both domestic and foreign drivers, featuring amenities such as sofas, televisions, microwave ovens, water dispensers, and first-aid kits. The centers integrate eight key functions, including dining, vehicle maintenance, telemedicine, and logistics information platforms.

Truckers dining at a Drivers’ Home

“It’s very convenient—we can rest, shower, and eat here while waiting to unload cargo,” said Serjan Borjan, a truck driver from Kazakhstan.

Tekes County Sends 254 Cadres for Rotational Training in Developed Cities

Tekes County is located in northwestern Xinjiang, 3,389 kilometers from Beijing. Recently, the county dispatched 254 local cadres in 14 batches to developed cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen for specialized training. The program aims to broaden perspectives on rural revitalization, economic development, and public service delivery.

The county tailored the training to eight key focus areas, including grassroots governance and cultural tourism integration, with content customized by profession: village officials may follow Shanghai community leaders for a month to observe management practices, while teachers and doctors receive advanced training at urban schools and hospitals.

After returning home, the cadres need to submit post-training reports and participate in webinars to share insights. The county also launched an exemplary practitioner campaign to encourage cadres to apply acquired knowledge toward solving critical local development challenges.