Author(s): LI, H., Institution: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 194

The Qilian Mountain region, located in northwest China, holds a strategic position within the coordinated regional development. Geographically, it lies at the intersection of three major plateaus and is traversed by the Yellow River, giving it abundant natural resources. Socially, it is a multi-ethnic area situated along the ancient Silk Road, characterized by profound historical and cultural heritage. In current development strategies, the region is planned as a key destinations for sports-oriented eco-tourism. Exploring the production of sports-cultural space in this region therefore carries significant implications for local sustainable development.

The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in Lefebvre’s theory of the Production of Space. Through field investigations and semi-structured interviews, this study collect typical cases for a systematic analysis of its spatial characteristics and development pathways. Based on the three-dimensional dialectic, the study explains the spatial forms and construction logic of sports-cultural space in the Qilian Mountain region: spatial practice at the material level, spatial representation at the symbolic level, and representational space at the social-meaning level.

Specifically, in the Qilian Mountain region, the spacial practice is reflected in the construction of the physical environment, producing sports landscapes that blend traditional and modern elements. Representations of space emerge through the extraction and application of core cultural symbols by sports authorities. For example, Tour of Qinghai Lake illustrates how local cultural symbols are used in the branding and thematic design of sports events. Representational spaces arise from people lived experiences, in which their perceptions, actions, and memories collectively recreate spatial meaning. This process transforms the relationship between individuals and place and fosters a sense of belonging and identity.

In summary, this study shows how the Qilian Mountain Region transforms physical space into socially meaningful place through sports. Accordingly, the study proposes four development pathways: enhancing spatial efficiency, activating local culture, promoting polycentric regional development, and encouraging multi-actor co-creation.