Destination
Northwestern China's Gobi Desert is a land of wild nature, steeped in legend and mystery. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and its pivotal role for the ancient Silk Road, this region offers a unique opportunity to explore China's rich cultural heritage. The races of the Ultra Gobi Series add a thrilling dimension to this setting.
Gobi: where the endless desert meets cultural treasures
The desert is spectacular: endless seas of sand stretch to the horizon, with dunes shimmering in vibrant hues of yellow and. The Singing Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring, with their distinctive geological formations and picturesque beauty, draw visitors from around the world. Ultra Gobi runners will have the rare privilege of immersing themselves in this stark yet powerful landscape, experiencing its unspoiled beauty firsthand.
Dunhung: ancient Silk Road hub
Dunhuang with the Singing Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring is more than a natural wonder; it is a gem of history and culture. The world-renowned Mogao Caves, with their exquisite murals and statues, stand as a testament to a millennium of religious, artistic, and commercial flourishing. For international Ultra Gobi participants, this journey is also an immersive encounter with ancient Chinese culture.
Mogao Caves: “Louvre of the East”
The Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as a testament to over a millennium of Buddhist art. First constructed in AD 366, this extraordinary complex comprises 735 caves adorned with 45,000 square meters of murals and over 2,000 statues, showcasing the remarkable artistry and spiritual devotion of ancient craftsmen.
The murals not only depict Buddhist narratives and mythology but also offer a captivating glimpse into the vibrant multicultural exchange along the Silk Road. Indian Buddhist iconography blends seamlessly with influences from Greek and Central Asian art, creating a unique and mesmerizing tapestry. The discovery of the "Library Cave" (Cave 17) further underscores the site's significance. This remarkable trove contains tens of thousands of ancient manuscripts, providing invaluable insights into the Silk Road history.
Suoyang City: once vital outpost for caravans and Silk Road traders
Suoyang City, situated in Guazhou, Gansu Province, served as a vital frontier military outpost and a thriving trading hub during the Tang Dynasty. This strategic location on the Silk Road saw the city flourish, leaving behind a rich legacy of historical remains. Encompassing over 5 kilometers, the city walls testify to its grandeur, enclosing ruins of administrative buildings, residential areas, and temples that offer a glimpse into the prosperity of Tang society.
Suoyang City is particularly renowned for its sophisticated water management system, which transformed the surrounding desert landscape into fertile agricultural land, sustaining the city's economy and enabling significant agricultural growth.
As a crucial transit point for East-West trade, Suoyang City attracted merchants from Persia and Arabia, who engaged in lively commerce with Chinese traders and artisans, fostering a vibrant environment of cultural and technological exchange.
Xuanquan Posthouse
The Xuanquan Posthouse, situated approximately 70 kilometers east of Dunhuang in Gansu Province, served as a critical relay station along the Han Dynasty Silk Road. This vital hub provided rest and supplies for merchants, envoys, and travelers traversing this ancient trade route. As an integral part of this extensive transportation network, Xuanquan Posthouse facilitated the swift delivery of documents and the exchange of caravans, playing a pivotal role in the flourishing trade between East and West.
Archaeological excavations have unearthed a wealth of historical artifacts, including numerous bamboo slips and documents. These provide a fascinating glimpse into life over 2,000 years ago, offering insights into official decrees, commercial transactions, and personal correspondence. Furthermore, Xuanquan Posthouse served as a conduit for cultural and intellectual exchange, with many artifacts reflecting the intriguing blend of Han and Western influences.
Ultra Gobi Series, a pioneer in “Gobi Sports”
With the races of the Ultra Gobi Series, we have created a new format for endurance challenges: running in the cultural rich Gobi Desert, while experiencing ancient history first hand and connecting with like-minded people from around the world. We call this form of endurance challenges “Gobi Sports”.
Participants not only experience the joy of pushing their limits but also gain a deeper understanding of the history and ecology of China's western regions through the cultural and natural landmarks along the course. As you run, you will follow in the footsteps of ancient caravans, passing the ruins of the Silk Road, as if journeying between the past and the present.