Polychromatic prayer flags, and local Tibetans leading mules carrying cargos along the difficult mountain path, and international running festival are among highlights in Yading.[Photo by Yang Feiyue / China Daily]

Last year, the Skyrun festival, which was jointly hosted by the Chinese company Migu Run and the Switzerland-based International Skyrunning Federation, attracted more than 70 professional runners from 22 countries and regions, including Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nepal and the United States.

This year's event saw 800 runners from 25 countries and regions.

The local authority has also set up diversified routes to spice up visitor experience.

Country-country races ranging from 29 km to 46 km, vertical climbing and hiking have all been developed this year.

Moreover, a caravan camping site and a low-altitude touring flight will be developed in the coming years, according to provincial tourism officials.

The idea is to develop a travel circle within a two-hour radius around Yading, showcasing plateau views and local Kangba culture.

Two travel routes in the circle that integrates the Yading and Haizishan scenic spots will be ready soon.

Each route will take roughly three days and offer natural scenery and exotic Tibetan elements, including grasslands, an ancient temple and local residences.

The goal: attracting 4.2 million visits from home and abroad and raking in 3.4 billion yuan in 2018.