Excellence knows no bounds, forge ahead against all waves. As the "Leaf With Me"? 2012 Lafuma Hiking Season unfolds, the completed hiking events in Beijing’s Lingshan and Jilin’s Changbai Mountain have left a deep impression, further heightening excitement for the August trek to Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi. From August 10 to 12, 2012, the northwestern leg of the "Leaf With Me"? 2012 Lafuma Hiking Season officially kicked off at the Taibai Mountain Scenic Area in Shaanxi, unveiling its mysteries to outdoor enthusiasts. Organized by the renowned French outdoor brand Lafuma and managed by Lingdong Shanshui Marketing Consultants, this leg featured more challenging routes, stunning geological landscapes, and a richer competition lineup than other regions, propelling the "Leaf With Me"? 2012 Lafuma Hiking Season to new heights. On the event day, 30 elite outdoor athletes from the northwestern region competed at the summit, tackling classic Taibai trails—walking plank roads, crossing rocky plateaus, navigating dense forests, camping at Dayeahai Lake, singing together, and collecting environmental pledges in “wish bottles.” It was a romantic, thrilling, and eco-friendly adventure for all trekkers.
Among the best, only the bravest triumph.
As the third stop of the event, participants in the Taibai Mountain hike were carefully selected and highly experienced outdoor veterans, creating an atmosphere buzzing with talent and energy. The field included elite trekkers from across the nation, such as the northwestern outdoor enthusiast “Bugsshino,” Suoluo Outdoor founder and Sichuan Mountaineering Association high-altitude guide “Bigfoot,” deputy captain of the Xi’an Earthquake Disaster Rescue Team “Black Handsome,” and representatives from well-known clubs like Outdoor Alliance, Perfect Life, and Red Ant Outdoor. The athletes quickly bonded, hitting it off upon meeting. “I love events like this—they let me connect, compete, and share experiences with outdoor lovers nationwide. This will be an unforgettable highlight of my life,” said an excited Beijing-based trekker.
Over the two-day event, participants traversed Taibai’s classic route—from Tangyu Valley to Baxian Terrace—immersing themselves in serene, ancient forests, scaling rugged stone-sea mountain paths, exploring mysterious gorges, and reaching the summit of Baxian Terrace to witness the breathtaking sea of clouds. A mid-weight ridge hiking race unfolded between Xiaowengong Temple and Dawengong Temple, where endless stone seas and rugged trails elevated the challenge. With top athletes poised to compete, the race from Xiaowengong Temple was a neck-and-neck battle… The intense rivalry among elites made the entire competition gripping and electrifying.
Beyond the hiking races, the organizers arranged colorful activities promoting environmental awareness, including “Love Every Inch of Land” and the “Most Beautiful Leaf Through My Eyes” photography contest. These initiatives blended Taibai’s beauty with eco-conscious values, encouraging participants to cherish nature while enjoying the sport. The creative activities captured everyone’s interest, with many filling exquisite “eco-wish bottles” with clear water from Dayeahai Lake. The azure lake water, adorned with colorful ribbons symbolizing love, carried the athletes’ environmental promises and heartfelt wishes. “Environmental protection is no small matter. Caring for nature and the Earth starts with small actions. I hope my efforts inspire others to understand the importance of outdoor conservation. This meaningful ‘wish bottle’ activity is beautifully designed—I’ll treasure it and stay committed to green outdoor practices,” laughed one female athlete in an interview.
A Romantic Camping Night – An Unforgettable Celebration
As dusk fell, after a day of trekking, the most relaxing moment arrived—camping by Dayeahai Lake. Settling in, the group, despite fatigue, immersed themselves in the surrounding beauty. Dayeahai is a perfectly round, crystal-clear pool hailed as the “Pearl of Taibai.” At this hour, it lay serene and tranquil, its surface shimmering like a dream world detached from reality, while local legends added an air of mystery. The campsite was nearby, the gentle lake water within arm’s reach, rippling softly in the evening breeze, lulling everyone into awe.
As night descended, the day’s exhaustion faded, and the romantic camping “Sing-Along” began in a lighthearted, joyful atmosphere. Gathered around a bonfire, participants sang passionately—men dashing and handsome, women graceful and tender. Surrounded by night skies, a gentle breeze, and the faint scent of grass and earth, the audience was entranced. Everyone showcased their talents, with songs, jokes, and dance performances stealing the show. Athlete “Big Bug” delivered an authentic Shaanxi folk song, his powerful vocals earning cheers and applause. The female trekkers held their own, with Guanguan’s soulful rendition of “The Outside World” melting hearts with its delicate sweetness. “Everyone’s so talented—singing under the stars, living life to the fullest, it’s got that bold Shaanxi spirit. We had an amazing time!” an excited trekker exclaimed.
Additionally, awards for the mid-weight ridge hiking race were announced amid applause. Beijing’s “Old Man” claimed first place with an outstanding time of 42 minutes and 10 seconds, receiving an honorary certificate and a 2,000-yuan Lafuma hiking backpack from the organizers. “Langwa” and “Red Braised Beef Noodles” took second and third, respectively, with all attendees congratulating the winners. Other awards—including “Helping Hands,” “Best Team Member,” “Best Club Representative,” “Best Charm,” and “Best Public Welfare”—will be judged and announced soon, with top Lafuma outdoor gear up for grabs. Stay tuned.
Before dawn on August 12, before sunrise, the athletes eagerly awaited the spectacle of Taibai’s sea of clouds and sunrise. Though thick fog shrouded the mountain, some still pushed to Baxian Terrace. Their perseverance paid off—around 7 a.m., the mist began to lift, sunlight piercing through the clouds. Bathed in golden rays, the undulating mountains and peaks emerged sharply, while the rolling sea of clouds created a fairy-tale ambiance. Some even spotted the rare “Buddha’s Light,” the day’s greatest “surprise.” Overjoyed, they realized this was both the start and continuation of hope—its power always astonishing. The group took a commemorative summit photo to capture this once-in-a-lifetime view.
With the conclusion of the "Leaf With Me"? 2012 Lafuma Hiking Season’s northwestern leg at Shaanxi’s Taibai Mountain, athletes now advance to the intense finals. Participants can upload trip journals, photos, and videos on the official website to share and rally votes from friends and fans. Final rankings, combining expert judging, will determine numerous northwest division awards—including the division champion—and winners will receive a luxurious “Homeland of Leaves” romantic seven-day trip to France, plus top Lafuma prizes. Who will take home the honors? Stay tuned.
Attachment: “Leaf With Me”? 2012 Lafuma Hiking Season Northwestern Leg – Mid-Weight Ridge Hiking Race Award List
Mid-Weight Ridge Hiking Race
First Place: No. 17 ID: Old Man
Race Time: 42 minutes, 10 seconds
Second Place: No. 23 ID: Langwa
Race Time: 47 minutes, 46 seconds
Third Place: No. 10 ID: Red Braised Beef Noodles
Race Time: 48 minutes, 17 seconds