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Are you up for self-inflicted pain? A 16-kilometer wilderness trek across Beijing's Haotuo Mountain — 2019's first endurance challenge is now recruiting.

Published: 2026-11-08 👁 103 views
Last updated 2026-11-08 — From April 2 to 3, the 5th China Dangshan International Equestrian Endurance Race, jointly organized by the Chinese Equestrian Association, Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau, Suzhou Municipal Government, and Dangshan County Government, kicked off along the Old Course of the Yellow River.

Are you up for self-inflicted pain? A 16-kilometer wilderness trek across Beijing's Haotuo Mountain — 2019's first endurance challenge is now recruiting.

A seven-hour hike, 16 kilometers, over three major mountains.

Climbing from an altitude of 650 meters to the highest peak at 1806 meters.

From 2016, 2017, 2018...

To the spring renewal of the present.

Those of you who couldn’t make it into the 'Three Mountains and Five Challenges' all these years.

Do you still love it this year?


Online sign-ups were insanely competitive, and insiders watched with envy.

But first, don’t forget these, okay?!

On June 14, 2016, the “Three Mountains and Five Challenges” route.

As soon as the news was released,

it caused a huge stir in the hiking community.

The single-day readership exceeded 30,000+ views.

On June 15, the activity link spread through various outdoor QQ groups.

Online clicks instantly surpassed a thousand and kept growing...

At the same time, the registration email received over 300 applications.

In just 7 days of online recruitment,

it attracted nearly 1 million+ reads and clicks.

With more than 600+ participants signing up.

It crushed entertainment headlines and easily dominated the hot search charts.

Self-inflicted pain is the ultimate form of spiritual motivation.

Looking back, the first “Olympic Support Trek” of the Three Mountains and Five Challenges gathered over 20 outdoor experts, influencers, and media personalities from across the country to witness this “painful journey.” The first batch of “Trial Challenge Testers” arrived at the valley on time, and an informal launch event paired with a final indulgence before the challenge generated massive attention.

The first batch of “Trial Challenge Testers” set off from Yuanxiang Grand Canyon, starting their trial trek.

They wrote powerful stories through their actions.



From the first launch in 2016 to an annual must-do from 2017 to 2018.


The Great Crossing of the Three Mountains and Five Challenges.

The 2nd Haotuo Super Crossing in 2017.


Self-inflicted pain is the ultimate form of spiritual motivation.

Every year around the transition from spring to summer, we set off right on time!

Those who have been here all leave with a mix of pain and awe.

The deeper you go into the dense forest, the more thrilling the mystery becomes. Veteran hikers just love turning the fear of the unknown into a surge of adventurous excitement. No “paths” to follow, no signal to find—torture your legs, feet, hands, and even your mind…

“They say man is born good, but perhaps we’re born to love a little suffering. On this journey of embracing healthy masochism, the only thing that hasn’t been tormented is probably my eyes, feasting on the breathtaking scenery before me.”

Starting from Yuanyang, first climb up 1,806 meters, then descend 1,300 meters, and finally ascend to roughly 2,200 meters in altitude.

Almost every elevation offers a unique view, like different themed exhibition halls in a nature museum—whether it’s wildflower-covered meadows or pouring rain, the suffering gets addictive and even more astonishing.

If you want to challenge the mountains, pick something truly special.

But chances are, you won’t be the only one getting hooked. Among those who’ve fallen for the thrill, and who rave about the Sea To Sea Big Crossing, there’s also…

A. The route is extremely rare—and may not exist anymore.

The starting point lies within a mountain hollow in Yuanyang, a private piece of land. Even seasoned hikers can tackle this trail only once a year.

Now, in preparation for the Winter Olympics, Haituo Mountain has been closed off. It’s said that the Soul-Seducing Slope will also see some changes. If you want to break records again before the familiar thick woods turn into ski runs, you’ll need to hurry this spring.

B. Push yourself, and don’t forget to push your partner too.

In winter, it’s cold and snow-draped; in summer, it’s ethereal and misty. Even when you’re utterly exhausted, Haituo’s enchanting scenery won’t go easy on you.

There’s always a guide or two who’ll lift your spirits when you’re completely worn out, sparking up conversations.

Go a bit wilder, add more laughs, and if you’re not torturing yourself, at least banter with your companions or give your partner a hard time!

C. Play in the pros’ circle with the experienced.

There’s always a TO to stick with you through the whole grueling journey, and plenty of top-notch folks joining in.

 Caesar  Expedition Leader

Veteran Chinese explorer / 20 years of full-range outdoor experience

|  Chief Moderator of Sanfo Outdoor Forum;

|  The first explorer to cross all five major uninhabited regions in China solo and unsupported, without GPS;

|  Expert in trekking, off-road driving, mountaineering, ice climbing, and diving...

1999 – 2019 Caesar’s Legendary 20 Years

- 1999

Started outdoor activities—hiking, mountaineering, ice climbing, horseback riding, snowboarding, off-road driving, diving—and served as Chief Moderator of Sanfo Outdoor Forum.

- 2000

Began high-altitude technical climbing, worked as a mountain guide and ice climbing instructor, with first ascents of unclimbed peaks.

- 2005

Founded the 75 Expedition Team

Led 21 overland expeditions across Tibet

One South America cross-country drive (lasting two months)

One Antarctic scientific expedition team (lasting over two months)

22 full-crossing off-road self-drives across Xinjiang

Two solo motorcycle crossings of the Lop Nur and Altun Mountain no-man's-land

One round-Australia off-road crossing (lasting one month)

One Malaysia rainforest off-road crossing

One Dubai–Abu Dhabi desert crossing

Five crossings of the Qiangtang no-man's-land

Two consecutive crossings of the three major no-man's-lands: Qiangtang, Hoh Xil, and Altun Mountain

Multiple crossings of the Lop Nur and all domestic deserts (including two crossings of the Taklamakan)

Two North America and Arctic crossings

Two crossings of the Hoh Xil and Qiangtang no-man's-lands

One Southern Africa, Namibia crossing

– End of 2016

Successfully led consecutive crossings of all four major no-man's-lands.

– 2017

In March, completed a solo, single-vehicle, unsupported, GPS-free crossing of the five major no-man's-lands (the Three-River-Source area, Qiangtang, Hoh Xil, Altun Mountain, and Lop Nur), becoming the first explorer to achieve this challenge;

In May, successfully crossed Malaysia’s “Snow Mountain” tropical virgin jungle;

In October, completed an expedition in the Qiangtang no-man's-land to photograph the “Golden Wild Yak.”

– 2018

In September, volcanic-swamp crossing on Russia’s Far East Kamchatka Peninsula.

For those outdoor enthusiasts who crave intensity, the veterans of Beijing’s outdoor clubs—when they shed their CEO, engineer, and IT guru personas and gear up professionally for the journey—the mountain peaks ultimately belong to the masters.

Are you someone who refuses to back down? Right now, do you want to cross paths—and terrain—with the legendary Caesar?

2019: The Brutal Challenge Arrives

16 kilometers at Haituo Valley

Big

Cross

ing

Gathering thrill-seekers like you


Crossing recruitment is ON

Choose one of two events: April 13, 2019 / April 27, 2019


Event Schedule

Meeting Time and Location:

Non-Members

8:30 AM – Meet at the East Gate Parking Lot of Yuanyang, then be guided by staff to the Grand Canyon assembly point

Members

9:00 AM – Assemble promptly at the entrance of the Grand Canyon

11:00 AM – Rest, replenish supplies, and have a packed lunch at Ma'anshan Temple

5:30 PM – Cross to the final destination, Haituo Valley

6:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at the Hot Pot Restaurant in Haituo Valley

7:30 PM – Take the shuttle bus back to Yuanyang Meilijian en masse

 

Membership Benefit Standards:

Tongchuang Card 1.0: 1 benefit use per person

Family Vacation Card 1.0: 3 benefit uses per person

Austrian Lifestyle Family Vacation Card 1.0: 3 benefit uses per person

Haituo Coins: 300 coins per person

Haituo Aocoins: 300 Aocoins per person

 

Non-Member Participation Standard:

300 RMB per person (includes packed lunch, supplies, dinner, and shuttle bus fees)

 

Registration Contact

Haibo 13193358848

Beijing Adventure Expert & Haituo Ace TO

About to set off with the team soon!

Sign Up Now

Conquer the Three Mountains and Five Harsh Routes — The Ultimate Crossing Challenge

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