The Beijing International Mountain Hiking Conference, which has been successfully held for six editions, is venturing out of Beijing for the first time. A leg of the event took place in Shennongjia, Hubei, from the 24th to the 25th.
Themed "Hiking in Mentougou, Trekking Through Shennongjia," the event featured two hiking routes—Guanmenshan and Shennong Valley—spanning approximately 16 kilometers and 4 kilometers respectively, both located within Muyu Town in Shennongjia Forest District. The competition combined immersive experiences with leisure sightseeing, attracting participants for tours and exploration. Over 110 hiking enthusiasts from Beijing traveled to the site, joining more than 1,000 local hikers to uncover the mysteries of Shennongjia and traverse its primeval forests.
On the first day, the hiking trail was a forest path almost seamlessly integrated with rocks and trees. Beside the trail, the mountain spring water in the small river was crystal clear and sweet. Coinciding with late autumn, it was the perfect season for red leaf viewing. Over 1,100 participants completed the race in the super "oxygen bar" that is the Guanmenshan Scenic Area. The following day’s race took place in the primeval forests of the Shennong Valley Scenic Area.
Shennongjia Forest District features high mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and a complex, ever-changing climate. Known as the "Roof of Central China," it serves as a crucial water conservation area for the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and acts as the largest natural green barrier for the Three Gorges Reservoir region, making significant contributions to the project. The Mentougou District Government has partnered with Hubei authorities to set up a leg of the hiking conference in Shennongjia, aiming to help promote the area’s premium tourism resources and express gratitude and reciprocity for the vital water supply.