Core Insights - The "Chongli 168" ultra-marathon event held in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, attracted over 11,000 participants, making it the largest ultra-marathon in China, showcasing the integration of nature and sports [1][2][4] Event Overview - The event featured seven categories named after the combination of "starting venue" and "distance," with the longest category covering 168 kilometers and a completion time limit of 48 hours [2] - The event has grown significantly since its inception in 2017, becoming one of the largest and most influential mass ultra-marathon events in Asia [4] Economic Impact - The event attracted participants from 22 countries and regions, with nearly 300 international competitors, and 93.5% of participants coming from outside the local area [7] - During the event, the region received 170,400 visitors, a 77% increase year-on-year, with total tourism spending reaching 168 million yuan, up 93% [7] Seasonal Transition - Chongli is transitioning from a winter sports destination to a year-round outdoor sports destination, with various events planned throughout the summer [8][13] - The region's summer operations are bolstered by its mountainous terrain and favorable climate, making it suitable for activities like hiking, camping, and extreme sports [9] Infrastructure and Development - The local government is leveraging the legacy of the Beijing Winter Olympics to enhance its sports event hosting capabilities and diversify the use of winter sports facilities for summer activities [11][21] - The region has established nine large ski resorts, which switch to summer operations starting in May after the winter season ends [21] Future Prospects - The Chongli area is expected to continue to grow as a year-round sports destination, with a focus on high-quality outdoor sports events and tourism [8][24] - The summer tourist numbers in 2024 reached 4.3 million, surpassing winter visitors for the first time, indicating a successful transition to a four-season tourism model [24]