On Nov 17, the inaugural Hainan Open International Classic Cars Competition (HN-OPEN) took off in Sanya, with over 60 classic vintage cars from 16 countries attending.

The automobile adventurers started their journey from Sanya Dadonghai Square in order to circumnavigate Hainan Island – passing through Changjiang, Haikou, Wenchang and Wanning in the process – and will arrive at the CNSC Sanya International Duty-Free Plaza on Nov 21 to complete the run.

On Nov 22-24, all vintage cars will gather at the Sanya International Yacht Center to feature in the International Collection of Classic Cars Exhibition.

The vintage cars participating in the event were manufactured between 1910 and 1974, with an average age of nearly 70 years.

The competition is held in the form of a rally race, unlike speed-based races, with an average speed generally not exceeding 60 kilometers per hour. Results are determined through time controls between checkpoints, point controls and route controls.

The International Classic Cars Competition has a long history and global popularity. The HN-OPEN is the third themed route created by the Chinese branch of the International Federation of Ancient Vehicles in China.

Since 2011, the Chinese branch has designed two themed routes, the Beijing-Shanghai and the Around the Yangtze River Delta routes. It has organized more than 10 vintage car events, playing a significant role in promoting Chinese automotive culture, especially the vintage car fraternity.

Zong Guian, chairman of the Classic Vehicle Union of China, said that Sanya boasted unique ecological advantages and abundant tourism resources.

The union looked forwards to long-term cooperation with Sanya, establishing the classic car open as a cultural and sports tourism IP based in Sanya, radiating throughout Hainan and facing the world.

The inaugural Hainan Open International Classic Cars Competition (HN-OPEN) kicks off in Sanya on Nov 17. [Photo/Sanya Daily]