Ziliujing district integrates agriculture, sports and rural tourism

Ziliujing district in Zigong, southwest China's Sichuan province, has stepped up efforts to integrate agriculture, culture, sports and tourism, turning its rural resources into new drivers of local development, officials said at a news conference in Zigong on Oct. 28.

At the briefing, the district showcased its rural tourism resources and integrated development achievements and unveiled preparations for the Ziliujing leg of the 2026 National Harmonious and Beautiful Countryside Health Run, known as the Village Run.

Jianshan Scenic Area [Photo/China.org.cn]

In recent years, Ziliujing has pursued coordinated urban-rural development and earned several honors, including recognition as a national-level characteristic town, a beautiful leisure village, a national forest village and a national nature education base. It has also developed four distinctive zones focused on integrated agriculture, sports and tourism; high-quality agriculture; revolutionary culture; and wellness tourism.

The Ziliujing Village Run, scheduled for Nov. 7-8, will feature three main components: village performances, running events and a rural market. Participants can choose between a 12-kilometer rural run and a 5.2-kilometer health run. The event is expected to attract about 3,000 runners from across the country, with routes passing through scenic villages.

More than 90 market stalls will showcase local agricultural specialties and intangible cultural heritage products, including Zigong tie-dye and Gong fans. Online influencers will also be invited to promote local products through livestreaming.

Ziliujing Old Street [Photo/China.org.cn]

The event is part of Ziliujing's broader efforts to develop a sports-plus model, using a tiered program of sporting events to attract visitors, stimulate consumption and raise Zigong's profile as a sports event destination.

Former residence of revolutionary Lu Deming [Photo/China.org.cn]

The district is also integrating its tourism attractions into themed travel experiences. It has linked destinations such as the Jianshan Scenic Area, the former residence of revolutionary Lu Deming and Ziliujing Old Street to create autumn tour routes, complemented by activities including a chrysanthemum exhibition, a folk music festival on the old street and intangible cultural heritage workshops. Local homestays and restaurants will offer special deals for participating runners.

By combining its rural landscape, cultural heritage and recreational resources, Ziliujing aims to become an eco-tourism destination on the city's outskirts, while creating new opportunities for rural industries and making its countryside more attractive to visitors.