A six-member expedition team composed of British mountaineers plans to climb five unclimbed peaks in the Himalayas of Nepal; three experienced alpine-style climbers have set their sights on an unclimbed peak, MuchuChhish (7,453m), located in Pakistan’s Muchuar Valley; two climbers from New Zealand will attempt to traverse the Roshgol Glacier (Hindu Kush Range) in northwestern Pakistan, challenging climbs on the southern face of Langua-tai-Barfi (7,071m) and the southeastern face of Shakawr (7,116m)... These ambitious and challenging mountaineering routes come from the 2014 Gore-Tex-sponsored...
Based on online voting and recommendations from outdoor experts, we present four ideal May travel destinations: Shangri-La in Yunnan, Shennongjia in Hubei, Zhangjiajie in Hunan, and Ninghai in Zhejiang.
【Scenic Allure】Yunnan Shangri-La ― A Heavenly Paradise
In Tibetan, Shangri-La means “the sun and moon in one’s heart.” In May, during springtime, Shangri-La bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors as countless wildflowers, azaleas, and gesang flowers bloom in vibrant competition. Lush green meadows and blooming flower clusters create a romantic explosion of spring hues everywhere you look. The locals here have their own interpretation of life. Their clothing reflects the vivid colors of the region’s magical natural landscape; their homes blend harmoniously with the grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and valleys; they dance with the snow peaks and rejoice with the rivers and lakes. This is the unique charm of Shangri-La—a heavenly paradise where people and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
Everyone has their own vision of “Shangri-La.” It serves as a reason—why many come and never want to leave, or though they depart, their hearts remain forever tied to this place. It is an emotional resonance and a spiritual destination, so vast and ethereal that it drives people to pursue it relentlessly. Life can be hectic, and wandering long enough, doesn’t a weary heart yearn for a peaceful corner far removed from worldly clamor, a pastoral slice of serenity where body and soul can relax and be free—that place is Shangri-La.
【Flower-Filled Strolls】Hubei Shennongjia ― A Sea of Azaleas
When the flowers are in bloom, Shennongjia resembles a group of lovesick maidens whose heartfelt emotions are spread across every scenic spot. Their dewdrop-like smiles leave all who visit enchanted and reluctant to leave.
The azaleas of Shennongjia possess nineteen different kinds of beauty, each with its own natural sentiment and expression, moving you sincerely with their splendid postures. Among the more famous varieties are the elegant Rhododendron concinnum, Rhododendron roseatum, Rhododendron augustinii, Rhododendron mariesii, Rhododendron odorum, Rhododendron discolor, Rhododendron stamineum, Rhododendron sargentianum, Rhododendron micranthum, and Rhododendron triflorum. From May to September, as the flowering season peaks, thousands of blossoms blanket the mountainsides from low to high altitudes, presenting a dazzling tapestry of purples and reds like drifting clouds. For the best azalea viewing experience, head to the area along the Da Yan Wu to Hou Zi Shi trail within the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, ranging from 2,300 to 2,800 meters above sea level. Nestled between Shennongding, Jiucuiya, Da Shen Nongjia, and Jinhouling, it marks the upper limit of the mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest zone, as well as the starting point of the alpine meadow, arrow bamboo, and Bashan fir mixed forest, making it exceptionally representative. Especially distinctive are the azaleas of Banbiliang in Shennongjia. This sunlit slope features dense azalea growth along both sides of the road near the hilltop, forming an azalea belt nearly 100 meters wide and several kilometers long. In full bloom, viewed from afar, the floral expanse resembles a silk ribbon draped over the shoulders of the legendary Shennong, enveloping visitors in a seemingly endless corridor of blossoms—a breathtaking spectacle.
【Mountain and Water Wonders】Hunan Zhangjiajie ― A Gigantic Bonsai
Zhangjiajie is a magnified bonsai, a shrunken paradise—both magical and real, mysterious yet tangible. “One who hasn’t been to Zhangjiajie in their lifetime cannot truly call themselves old.” Located in northwestern Hunan and part of the Wuling Mountain Range, Zhangjiajie is China’s first national forest park. In the late 1970s, renowned painter Wu Guanzhong stumbled upon Zhangjiajie—an encounter as serendipitous as a meeting of golden wind and jade dew. Ever since, this once “hidden gem—lost scenic pearl” burst onto the world stage. The area combines the majestic, serene, untamed, pristine, and beautiful, merging peaks, valleys, ravines, forests, and waters into one breathtaking tableau. “In the lonely depths of ancient mountains, the eternal silence shames even the works of man.” What a dazzling fairyland—how many master artisans in this world could rival its wonder?
The patriotic poet Qu Yuan was once exiled to the Lishui River basin around Tianmen Mountain—the very region now world-famous as Zhangjiajie. It is said he wrote verses praising the Lishui during his time here, and today the Tianzi Mountain area still features the scenic spot “Qu Yuan Reciting Poetry.” Moreover, the “South Sky Column” in Wulingyuan Scenic Area, part of Zhangjiajie, is believed to be the inspiration for the stunning Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar, drawing endless streams of tourists. This earthly paradise, which even the traveler Xu Xiake never set foot in, has now become a wildly popular tourist destination.
【Ancient Town Exploration】Zhejiang Ninghai ― Qiantong Ancient Town
When visiting Qiantong, one must mention a film—the late renowned painter and director Chen Yifei’s The Barber. He once described Qiantong as: “Different from other water towns in southern China, Qiantong is not only well-preserved but also exudes a sense of simplicity, depth, and profound humanistic spirit, with the charm of an eastern Zhejiang ancient town. The carvings and patterns on some of the ancient buildings fully showcase the artistic pursuits of those who came before us.”
Stepping into the ancient town feels like a sudden shift in the world—just moments ago, the hustle and bustle of traffic and crowds reigned outside, but now everything falls silent. The space transforms into narrow alleyways crisscrossing the terrain, with gurgling streams flowing past every household. Residents wash clothes and vegetables in these flowing waters, living lives of ease and leisure that make you forget the chaos and clamor of the outside world. Wandering through Qiantong, you might easily get lost, suddenly realizing you’ve wandered down a lane you just passed. The town follows a “return”-style Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout, with cobblestone-paved streets and foundations mostly built from stones. The lanes are extremely narrow, and the buildings densely packed, making it feel like navigating a maze. Though similar to other well-known Jiangnan ancient towns, Qiantong offers uniquely picturesque scenery.
Qiantong is an extraordinary original version of Ming and Qing dynasty residences in the Jiangnan region, a painting rich in rustic charm, and a beautiful melody of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music. It is famed for its uniquely laid-out residences, well-preserved ancient Ming and Qing architecture, and a long history of producing talented individuals. Established in the late Song dynasty and flourishing during the Ming and Qing eras, it is a place where “every household has carved beams, and every home has flowing water.” The Baixi Stream flows into the village via canals, with murmuring waters circling each residence. Every home is connected by small bridges over flowing streams, and every household enjoys smooth cobblestone paths—a unique spectacle among Jiangnan market towns. The Bagua water system whispers and flows quietly through every home, making it feel like a water town, even surpassing one.
The charm of the outdoors, of course, is not limited to the appeal of these four destinations. Ultimately, it’s about immersing yourself in nature, embracing the wild, and feeling the pulse of life. The eighth edition of the “Endless Experience – Gore-Tex Outdoor Dreams Realized” campaign kicked off in March. After three months, we’ve reached the final stretch of the dream submission period—the crucial moment to rally for the annual championship and realize your outdoor dreams. Dream submissions are divided into five categories: professional mountaineering, wilderness trekking, outdoor hiking, outdoor photography, and outdoor self-driving. Participants can register and submit their travel plans via the Gore official website and the campaign’s four major regional hubs. This year, a new “New Explorers’ Dream Destination” voting segment has been added. By casting your vote for your desired destination on the official website or regional hubs and sharing the origin of your dream, you may have the chance to join an eight-person team led by professional mentors to fulfill your outdoor aspirations. The selection process for champion plans builds on previous years’ criteria, incorporating mentor recommendations and online public voting to determine the shortlisted entries, allowing even more people to take part in the event.
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