The participants depart from Lyon.

Participants from 10 countries recently concluded the Lyon-Guangzhou Sun Trip, riding their solar bicycles 12,000 kilometers over two and a half months.

The event, co-hosted by the French Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition (MTES) and the Chinese Embassy in France, was organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of friendly relations between the cities of Lyon and Guangzhou.

The activity, which has been held every other year since 2013, promotes green energy and commuting.

“Riding in China is amazing and unforgettable,” said Herman Segers from Belgium, who finished in 6th place.

He recalled that it was raining when he first arrived in Urumchi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. His Chinese contact immediately got in touch and arranged a hotel for him.

The participants tale a photo in Guangzhou.

The friendliness and hospitality of his new Chinese friends was touching, Segers noted.

The activity conforms to the green Belt and Road and sustainable development plan, French Minister of MTES Nicolas Hulot noted, adding that the Sun Trip will not only enhance China-France people-to-people exchanges, but will also promote energy and environmental cooperation between the two countries.