Motorcyclists ride along China's first love-themed highway in Lishui, Zhejiang province, on May 31. [Photo/Tide News]

Lishui, a city known as the green valley of Zhejiang province, launched China's first love-themed highway on May 31. The launching event was held at the Yunhe Rice Terraces scenic area, attracting over 200 motorcycle travelers from across the country.

The 523-kilometer loop forms a heart shape when viewed from above, connecting seven counties and districts, 25 love-themed service stations, hundreds of homestays, and numerous scenic overlooks.

Starting and ending at the Guyan Huaxiang scenic area, the route passes through Suichang county, Songyang county, Longquan's Huangmaojian Peak, Qingyuan county, Jingning She autonomous county, and Yunhe county, offering a romantic journey through Lishui's landscapes and cultural heritage.

During the inaugural ride, motorcyclists set off from Yunhe rice terraces along a mountain road toward Anren town in Longquan.

The event boosted local consumption: from May 30 to 31, activities like flower viewing, a food street, and a village singing contest drew large crowds.

Restaurants and hotels at the Yunhe Rice Terraces scenic area were fully booked, while Chishi township's weekend market recorded over 20,000 yuan ($2,955.57) in single-day sales.

The event also featured a photo campaign, a loan agreement to support motorcycle travel industries, and a safety and civility pledge by riders.

In the future, Lishui plans to further improve its motorcycle travel ecosystem with more themed hotels, emergency stations, and signage, aiming to become a top destination for riders nationwide.