XINING, July 25 (Xinhuanet) – The 17th Tour of Qinghai Lake ended its 3rd-stage race on Tuesday in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, also known as “China’s Summer Capital” for its all-time pleasant climate and green environment.

Around 150 riders representing 22 professional teams from 17 countries and regions have embarked on this 13-stage race of 3,671 kilometres long in Ledu on Sunday. As the 3rd stage from Duoba to Guide came to the end, they will next bring their race outside Xining.

In the past three days, the race in Xining has not only tested the riders’ strength and skills, but also provided a feast to their eyes. In particular, during the 2nd stage, they competed on a circuitous route in the city that passes by many scenic landmarks, such as Qinghai Sport Centre, Haihu Wetland Park, People’s Park, Culture Park, and Qinghai Museum, all of which are the best showcase of Xining’s favourable ecological and cultural environment.

“This year, the circuit route was specially designed to cover many streets in Xining’s Haihu New district, City West district, and central district, with both the start and finish lines set in Haihu New district, to allow the riders and inspectors to take in all of Xining’s unique and magnificent urban landscape,” head of Xining Sport Administration Han Bin told reporters.

According to local government, Xining is currently piloting a project to build a “Sponge City” of 21.61 square kilometres. The project will be scaled up to other places in the province.

Besides, Xining is striving to construct a space to boost green development, by improving transportation infrastructure that includes a 100 kilometre-long biking route, replacing fossil fuel public transportation vehicles into those that use new energy.