Qaidam Planet Challenge blends sci fi, sports and astronomy in Qinghai

(ECNS) -- The Qaidam Planet Challenge, China's first outdoor orienteering event integrating technology, sci-fi, sports and ecology, was staged in Lenghu, Mangya City in Qinghai Province, from September Friday to Sunday.

Set against the Mars-like Gobi Desert of the Qaidam Basin, the competition brings sci-fi narratives to life against real-world natural terrain.

The multi‑faceted contest featured cross‑country running, desert self‑driving and intensive team collaboration, with athletes covering an average of 27 kilometers on foot and more than 250 kilometers by vehicle.

The 14‑hour endurance race passed landmarks including the Eboliang Yardang landform, Mars No.1 Highway and Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base, where competitors had access to the Mozi surveying telescope. New highlights this year included original sci‑fi imagery, wilderness concerts and drone shows.

This year's edition introduced new highlights including original sci-fi IP imagery, wilderness concerts and drone shows.

Organizers said the event aims to transform local natural and scientific resources into interactive cultural and tourism experiences, serving as a driver for upgrading the region's cultural tourism industry and boosting diversified development.

(By Zhang Dongfang)