China-ASEAN rally race kicks off in Nanning

The 2019 China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly started in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Wednesday.

The first day competition featured a 280-kilometer route from Nanning to Jingxi, the border city between China and Vietnam.

Racing cars depart from the starting line of the 18-day China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly in Nanning, China on Sep 11, 2019. [Photo provided to China Plus]

All the cars finished the first stage in the time-trial race while organizers also added a newly designed in-circuit cart race for amateurs.

The race will next go to Vietnam before reaching other ASEAN countries including Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and finally ending in Singapore.

An opening ceremony is held to mark the start of the 2019 China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly in Nanning, China on Sep 11, 2019. [Photo provided to China Plus]

Apart from the competition, the rally also serves as a platform to promote the communication and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN countries.

The 18-day journey will allow the 160 drivers to witness the new development along the Belt and Road route.