over 2,000 cyclists rode through a temporary arch in qianhai at the 2nd qianhai shenzhen-hong kong sports carnival on saturday. they were amateurs from enterprises in the city and hong kong.
the route stretched over four kilometers in the area and riders cycled around the main buildings of the zone.
"it is my first time visiting qianhai and i'm glad to join with other riders today," said davis tian, a hong kong resident. "i want to spend more time getting to know the zone and the companies here, and hopefully there will be more events like this that we can join in."
a local professional surnamed zhang told the shenzhen daily that she brought her family members to this event in hopes of having more communication with hong kong participants.
"although i work with china merchants, which has an office in hong kong, i do not have enough opportunities to exchange ideas with my hong kong peers," said zhang. "i was told that the organizers arranged various activities to enhance communication between both cities' residents, so i encouraged my family to come and have fun with people from hong kong."
in addition to sports activities, live music, dance performances and competitive games attracted 3,000 participants.
according to lin hong, deputy director of the qianhai-shekou pilot free trade zone authority, more events will be held for enterprise employees from both cities.
"we want to create a unique qianhai culture by holding various events and invite more people, especially hong kong citizens, to know about the zone, to support its development and, if possible, to work and live in the zone," he said.
this year's event was hosted by the qianhai authority, the new world development company and china merchants shekou holdings, and organized by the new world china land company and ctfhoko in qianhai.
