2009.8.10 

Now, Vatternrundan has not only the long 175.5km distance around the whole Fuxian Lake to offer. If you feel that going over a 100km is a bit too much for you, you can go about half a lap along the west side of Fuxian Lake. This distance is 78.8km. But, here is something about the route you will be taking. ..

Yuxi is a fast growing city with a population mainly made up of ethnic minorities, which makes it culturally diverse. A place to check out could be Fin du Monde Café on “Small temple street” 小庙街(xiao miao jie) or the red pagoda which the City’s famous tobacco brand Hongta (红塔）, got its name from.

After the start from Nie Er Music Square, named after the man who composed the Chinese National anthem, you will start your Yunnan cycling journey…

Although Vatternrundans Chinese name is “Go around Fuxian Lake Road Bike Race”, the first lake you reach however will not be Fuxian Lake, but Xingyun Lake “Star-Cloud Lake” which is located south of Fuxian Lake. Here, many people are fishermen and “Salt water fish” is the town’s big delicacy. Due to economic growth, Xingyun Lakes water quality got worse in recent years, but waste treatment facilities has been built and there is also a project going on to change the flow of water between Fuxian Lake and Xingyun Lake to let good water from Fuxian Lake flow into Xingyun Lake.


Last year, a weather phenomenon called "the Dragon drinks water" appeared at Xingyun Lake during a rainstorm

When you have passed Xingyun Lake, the next town you come to is Jiangchengzhen. People here grow flowers, tobacco, early winter vegetables and another delicious fish here is the “big headed fish” Situated on the western bank of Fuxian Lake, this area is a popular destination with many scenery spots for travelers

At 60km, you pass through another nature area called Luchong Scenery area. Local tourist go here swimming and boating.

 

For the 78,8km riders, the race ends at the top of Fuxian Lake, just after passing Fuxian Lake Park. Bikers going the whole track will continue down on the east side of the lake and eventually come to Yeniu Shan (Wild Ox Mountain). After passing this mountain with its monastery, the road soon lead back to Yuxi, but still with over 30km left to go until they reach the finish line back in Yuxi and Nie Er Square.