6th Trans-Himalaya International Cycling Race opens in Xizang

The sixth China Xizang Trans-Himalaya International Cycling Race opened on Wednesday in Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, expected to deliver a world-class spectacle that combines competitive excellence with visual splendor.

The competition, hosted by the General Administrative of Sport, China Media Group, and the People's Government of Xizang Autonomous Region, will officially kick off on Thursday in Nyingchi City, the first stop of the event.

More than 100 cyclists in 17 teams from China, Spain and other countries will compete in the race. Besides Nyingchi City, the race route will also pass through Shannan, Lhasa and Xigaze, comprising four sections with a total distance of 420.58 kilometers.

Marking its first edition since being upgraded to a Union Cycliste Internationale Men's Elite 2.1 Professional Series race, this event is expected to promote the development of sports tourism and outdoor activities in Xizang.

China's outstanding aggregate social financing -- the total amount of financing to the real economy -- reached 442.12 trillion yuan (about 63.4 trillion U.S. dollars) as of the end of 2025, up 8.3 percent year on year, central bank data showed on Thursday.

The country's aggregate social financing stood at 35.6 trillion yuan (about 5.1 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025, up by 3.34 trillion yuan (about 479 billion U.S. dollars) from the year 2024, said the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank.

According to the data, the M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 8.5 percent year on year to 340.29 trillion yuan (about 48.8 trillion U.S. dollars) as of the end of December.

In addition, outstanding yuan loans stood at 271.91 trillion yuan (about 39 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of 2025, up 6.4 percent year on year.