On December 10, 2025, the 8th "Belt and Road Initiative: Colorful Yunnan" Car Rally successfully held its stunt competition in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, Bokeo Province, Laos, adding a thrilling chapter to this long-distance journey spanning China, Laos, and Thailand. This event was not only an exchange of sportsmanship but also a vivid practice of deepening regional friendly cooperation and promoting multi-party connectivity under the "Belt and Road Initiative."
The rally, themed "Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Thailand – Colorful Wheels Connect the Silk Road, Friendship Grows Long for Prosperity," officially kicked off in Kunming on November 24. The teams traveled over 8,000 kilometers along the China-Laos Railway and the Lancang-Mekong River Basin, aiming to promote cultural exchange and trade cooperation along the route through sports.
On the morning of December 10, 34 drivers from China and Laos competed in the SS4 stunt competition in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, showcasing speed and passion. The SS4 track skills competition was highly technically challenging and served as the final overseas event of the 8th "Belt and Road Initiative · Colorful Yunnan" Auto Rally.
The entire competition was held on a closed track, with a designated stage of approximately 1.5 kilometers, consisting of five parts: a 100-meter straight acceleration, an S-curve maneuver, a 200-meter straight acceleration, a reverse parking maneuver, and a cone maneuver. The starting order was determined by drawing lots, and the driver with the shortest overall time won.
On the track, off-road vehicles from China and Laos took to the field in turn. As the starting signal sounded, the engines roared, the straight acceleration was lightning fast, the reverse parking maneuvers were precise, and the S-curve maneuvers were nimble and agile, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Ultimately, Chinese car number 211 won first place.
During their stay in the Special Economic Zone, the drivers, accompanied by officials from the Special Economic Zone Management Committee, visited several iconic locations, including the Kapok Star Hotel, the International Style Street, and Chinatown, and enjoyed a local-style dinner. The special economic zone's modern development and rich cultural atmosphere left a deep impression on the team members. One participant from Yunnan said, "Before coming to the special economic zone, I thought it would be relatively underdeveloped, but I didn't expect it to be so modern, with towering buildings. At the same time, Lao culture has been very well preserved, making it unforgettable."
As the team set off again, this journey across mountains and rivers, conveying friendship, continues. The wheels roll, carrying the aspirations for cooperation and development, heading towards a brighter tomorrow.
