Ao Xuefei

3361839602@qq.com

NEARLY 300 cyclists from Shenzhen and Hong Kong embarked on an 18-kilometer ride around the Shenzhen Reservoir in Luohu District on Saturday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project, which supplies 80% of Hong Kong’s potable water.

The cycling event, themed “Riding Together, Connecting Hearts,” blended sports, ecology, and cultural exchange, offering participants a journey through Luohu’s unique landscapes.

The route began at the Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park, Shenzhen’s first zero-carbon park, wound through lush greenways like the Taojinshan Greenway and the Wutong Mountain Greenway, and crossed the newly renovated Dawang Bridge.

Paralympic cyclist Wang Xiaomei, a gold medalist at last year’s Paris Paralympics, shared her unique perspective after completing the ride. “Normally I’m focused on breaking records, but today I understood why people say cycling is about the journey, not just the destination. This route beautifully connects people of the two cities, just like the Dongjiang River has for 60 years — it’s amazing how sports and nature can bring us together.”

Wang praised Shenzhen’s cycling infrastructure, noting that the Wutong Mountain Greenway rivals world-class courses she’s experienced in international competitions.

“Cycling has become a new bond between Shenzhen and Hong Kong,” noted Li Peng, coach of the national paralympic cycling team, who led the ride. “This route isn’t just about fitness — it’s a moving tribute to our shared history.”

“This event allows us to carry forward the friendship between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, using the spirit of cycling as a bridge to spread goodwill, exchange cultures, advocate for green lifestyles, and promote low-carbon travel that embraces nature and health. Let us fully enjoy this scenic cycling journey through mountains and waters,” Li added.

Some cyclists praised the excellent cycling environment with minimal pedestrian traffic in Luohu.