Participants raise their thumbs as they cross the finishing line.

Some 3,000 cycling enthusiasts gathered together at Kunshan Stadium on Sept 25, to attend the fourth Riding Around Kunshan cycling event. The competitors came from many different places, with a full range of ages and levels of cycling proficiency.

The much-anticipated event, aimed at promoting national fitness and enjoyment of cycling, is well-designed with a 15-kilometer-long cycling route which starts from Kunshan Stadium, and stretches along West Qianjin Road, West Huancheng Road and Ma'anshan Road, before finally finishing at the north square of Kunshan Stadium.

Once the starting gun was fired at 9:10 am, the riders left in quick succession, enjoying the most beautiful cycling route with fresh air and unique scenery.

The first batch of cyclists crossed the finishing line at around 9:40 am, and Li Weisheng was among them. He has been riding for over seven years and takes part every time.

"Cycling is a good way to relax myself and appreciate scenery. It has become an important and indispensable part of my life," said Li.

Other participants also expressed their satisfaction with the event.

"This is my second time and fortunately my wife and son are with me this time. We all enjoyed it very much," said Liang Dongtuo, who has been working in Kunshan for over 10 years.

An added bonus of a variety of interesting activities were waiting at the finishing line, including mini-football games, a limited-time slam dunk challenge and fan paintings.