The 5th Beijing International Mountain Hiking Conference Winding Through the Scenic Beauty of the Four Seasons in Western Beijing

    Spring traces the Yongding River to its source, early summer strolls through ancient temples, golden autumn explorations of quaint villages—hike and roam western Beijing to enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. On the morning of March 28, the press conference for the 5th Beijing International Mountain Hiking Conference, sponsored by Zhongkun Cup, was held in the press briefing hall of the Beijing Municipal People’s Government Information Office, and registration officially kicked off on the same day.

    With the themes “Hiking Ancient Roads and Villages, Leading a New Leisure Lifestyle” and “Hiking Western Beijing, Enjoying the Four Seasons,” this hiking conference is jointly organized by the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, the People’s Government of Mentougou District, the Beijing Sports Federation, and the Beijing International Exchange Association of Civil Organizations.

    For the first time, this hiking conference will adopt a multi-stage format, divided into three stages: the Yongding River, Tanzhe Temple, and Zhaitang. The venues span the Mentougou New Town, the foothills, and the Zhaitang area, making it currently the hiking event in China with the most diverse routes, richest activities, and most stunning scenery along the way. The event features seven distinctive hiking routes: the 10 km Green Riverside Route at the Yongding River Station, the 25 km Royal Ancient Temple Route at the Tanzhe Temple Station, and at the Zhaitang Station—the 100 km Ultimate Challenge Route, the 30 km Pristine Nature Route, the 20 km Millennium Ancient Temple Route, the 20 km Reservoir Scenery Route, and the 10 km Red History Route. Among these, the 10 km Green Riverside Route at the Yongding River Station and the 25 km Royal Ancient Temple Route at the Tanzhe Temple Station are new additions to this year’s conference, to be held on April 26 and June 7, respectively. The Zhaitang Station finals will take place on September 20 and 21.

    Starting now, hiking enthusiasts from around the world can visit the official website of the conference (www.bjwalking.com) to check specific route information and registration details, and sign up within the designated time. A campaign promoting scientific and healthy hiking, as well as building an ecological, livable, and tourist-friendly new district, has also been launched in sync.

    This hiking conference integrates internationality, mass participation, inclusiveness, and professionalism, adding more unique features on top of the previous four editions.

    First, diverse routes with distinctive characteristics.All seven routes have been carefully selected and designed. The variety of routes is the most extensive among domestic hiking events, covering natural landscapes, historical folklore, religious temples, ancient roads and villages, and red history, fully showcasing the magnificent natural scenery and profound historical culture of Mentougou. Participants will fully enjoy the pleasures of mountain hiking. The newly added 10 km Green Riverside Route along the Yongding River allows hikers to explore the “Mother River” of Beijing—the Yongding River—and stroll along its banks to feel the rippling waves of Mencheng Lake. The 25 km Royal Ancient Temple Route at Tanzhe Temple offers panoramic views of the imperial temple’s grand halls and lets you listen to the divine sounds of the Xiuyun Zen Temple, showcasing to both domestic and international hikers the rich historical culture of Mentougou and the modern waterfront mountain city’s new look.

    Second, the upgraded conference aligns with international standards.In 2013, Beijing officially joined the International Marching League, and the Beijing International Mountain Hiking Conference was elevated to an internationally certified hiking event under the League, becoming one of its most important annual activities. Athletes, embassy officials, international students, and other hiking enthusiasts from around the world will participate, setting records for both the scope and number of participants in the event’s history.

    Third, professional support and standardized operations.From planning and organization, route setting, service facilities, marketing, and promotion, the conference operates entirely according to international professional sports event standards. The event uses net timing to provide professional timing services for each participant, and real-time GPS tracking for those in the 100 km competitive category. All finishers can check their completion times on the conference website. In terms of event services, the organizing committee has set up aid stations, medical assistance points, and other facilities along the course to ensure the safety of all participants.

    Fourth, human-centered design for universal participation.This conference is not only a rare competition for professional athletes but also a hiking extravaganza open to enthusiasts and the general public. To encourage wider participation, the event is scheduled over weekends. Citizens can choose to join based on their preference. Seven routes of varying difficulty and character are available, allowing participants to select the one that suits them based on age, gender, and personal interest. At that time, an ancient, culturally rich, hospitable, and modern western Beijing—Mentougou—will be fully showcased to the public, making it an ideal destination for leisure and fitness.

    This hiking conference is innovative in form and rich in content, featuring three major “highlights.”

    First, thematic hiking.Continuing with the themes “Hiking Ancient Mountain Villages, Leading a New Leisure Lifestyle” and “Hiking Western Beijing, Enjoying the Four Seasons,” this conference will host a colorful hiking carnival. The Yongding River Station will, for the first time, accept family group registrations, lowering the minimum age for children to 6, allowing more families to participate. In collaboration with the international environmental organization WildAid, the station will integrate wildlife conservation themes and introduce parent-child costume hiking. Participants are also encouraged to use public transportation to advocate for a “green, low-carbon lifestyle,” collectively promoting a lifestyle that is low-carbon, ecological, environmentally friendly, and economical. The Tanzhe Temple Station allows participants to experience the ancient roads of western Beijing and trace the footprints of millennia-old paths. The main venue and route of the Zhaitang Finals will feature folk culture displays, hiking culture exhibitions, specialty sales, outdoor military-civilian camping, ancient village life experiences, and photography contests, creating a festive atmosphere for public leisure and fitness.

    Second, tech-enabled hiking.The Zhaitang Station Finals will continue to use electronic chip timing for net timing. The Yongding River and Tanzhe Temple Stations will pioneer the use of QR code timing systems nationwide. Participants complete the full hike timing by scanning QR codes at the start and finish lines. After finishing, they can check their results by scanning a QR code via WeChat. The hiking conference app, available on iOS and Android, will provide timely updates. An official WeChat channel has also been launched with a “follow” function, enabling participants to stay informed and check results conveniently, bringing them closer to the event.

    Third, cultural hiking.The routes pass through more than 20 famous ancient villages such as Shuiyuzui Village, Jiuyuan Village, Cuandixia, and Shuangshitou, showcasing the charm of western Beijing’s ancient roads and villages. The area boasts rich cultural landscapes and deep historical roots. Visit the former residence of Ma Zhiyuan and experience the scene of “ancient road, west wind, lean horse” described by the “ancestor of autumn thoughts.” Climb the Fengkou’an Pass Fortress, gaze eastward at the peaks, green mountains, hidden valleys, and gold deposits to understand the origin of Mentougou’s name. Observe the hoof prints on the ancient roads—green hills, red stones, brown depressions, with hoof prints surrounded by swirling clouds and dancing dragons—to feel the crisp sound of horse bells on the Jade River Ancient Road from a century ago. Explore the ancient village of Cuandixia, visit a folk film base, and experience the rural charm of the old village. Amidst green mountains and cypresses, participants can enjoy the pleasure of hiking and feel the deep cultural heritage of Mentougou.

    Registration deadlines for each stage: Yongding River Station – March 28 to April 16; Tanzhe Temple Station – March 28 to May 16; Zhaitang Town Station – March 28 to August 8.

    

    This hiking conference will adopt a multi-stage format for the first time. The venues consist of the Mentougou New Town, the foothills, and the Zhaitang area, divided into three events: Yongding River Station, Tanzhe Temple Station, and Zhaitang Station. It is currently the hiking event in China with the most diverse routes, richest activities, and most stunning scenery along the way. There are seven distinctive hiking routes: the 10 km Green Riverside Route at the Yongding River Station, the 25 km Royal Ancient Temple Route at the Tanzhe Temple Station, and at the Zhaitang Station—the 100 km Ultimate Challenge Route, the 30 km Pristine Nature Route, the 20 km Millennium Ancient Temple Route, the 20 km Reservoir Scenery Route, and the 10 km Red History Route. Among these, the 10 km Green Riverside Route at the Yongding River Station and the 25 km Royal Ancient Temple Route at the Tanzhe Temple Station are new additions to this year’s conference, to be held on April 26 and June 7, respectively. The Zhaitang Station finals will take place on September 20 and 21.

    This route is the newest addition to the conference and the most family-friendly event of the competition. To accommodate more families, the minimum age for child participants has been lowered to 6. In April, as spring blooms, the Yongding River’s Mencheng Lake is breezy and lush with vegetation. The Yongding Tower and the Mother River statue complement each other in strength and grace. Circling the lake offers the natural delights of the river and a taste of its storied past. Affectionately called the “Mother River” by the people of the capital, the Yongding River has undergone comprehensive ecological restoration, landscaping, and comprehensive management in recent years. It now features a 100-km waterfront corridor, 1.2 million square meters of wetlands, and a new urban water system of “one lake, ten gardens, and five interconnected water bodies,” transforming Mentougou into a modern riverside city in the suburbs of Beijing.

    Like the 10 km Green Waterfront Hiking Route, this route is also a highly distinctive new trail launched this year. Hikers will depart from Dingjiatan and soon step onto the famous Jingxi Ancient Road. Following the winding ancient path, they will tread on the uneven hoofprints left by caravan caravans from a thousand years ago, experiencing a real "time-travel" journey and feeling the beauty of historical vicissitudes. After traversing the Jingxi Ancient Road, which feels like a "time tunnel," hikers will arrive at the former residence of Ma Zhiyuan, one of the "Four Great Masters of Yuanqu," and explore the ambiance of "ancient road, west wind, and lean horse" in Jiuyuan Village. They will then climb Jiulong Mountain via the Yuhe Ancient Road before finally reaching the millennia-old Tanzhe Temple. Tanzhe Temple is the largest temple and ancient architectural complex in the suburbs of Beijing, and the saying "Tanzhe Temple came before Beijing City" is widely known. With its morning bells and evening drums, grand halls, and imperial elegance, Tanzhe Temple was an important site for royal prayers in the past. There is even a legend that the Forbidden City was modeled after Tanzhe Temple. In spring, visitors to Tanzhe Temple can admire the beauty described in the verse, "Only peonies possess true imperial splendor, their bloom stirs the capital when in season." In summer, hiking the mountain paths allows one to enjoy the sight of ancient temples surrounded by thousands of peaks and valleys shrouded in clouds. Autumn brings red leaves across the mountains, while winter offers the spectacle of snow-covered ridges like painted screens. The 25 km Royal Ancient Temples Route is truly a hiking trail suitable for all seasons. Additionally, along this route, hikers can also visit the Jietan Temple, known as the "No. 1 Ordination Terrace in the World," whose ancient trees and famous flowers rival those of Tanzhe Temple.

    The 100 km Extreme Challenge Hiking Route is currently the highest-altitude and has the greatest elevation change among domestic 100 km races. It is also the most anticipated classic route in the Beijing International Mountain Hiking Competition. Every year, hundreds of professional hikers set off from the Cultural Square in Zhaitang Town. The rich natural scenery along the way often makes people forget their fatigue without realizing it. Hiking through green mountains, clear waters, ancient villages, and temples feels like "traveling within a painting." September is the most beautiful golden autumn season in Beijing, with light clouds and gentle breezes. Strolling through Cuandixia Village, known as the "living fossil" of traditional northern Chinese dwellings, time seems to slow down, offering a unique charm. Exiting the ancient village and climbing over Huangcaoliang, hikers will reach Yanhecheng, a military stronghold since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Along the way, they can witness the vicissitudes of the "Seven Towers" of the Ming Great Wall, the ruggedness of Tianjin Pass, and the resilience of Yanhecheng. Historical records indicate that this was once a military stronghold defending against Mongol cavalry raids on the capital region. Beyond Yanhecheng lies another spectacular natural landscape, where hikers will enjoy the beauty of Pearl Lake, known as the "Little Li River of Western Beijing," and the grandeur of the Yongding River Grand Canyon.

    This route is the most popular "Best Route" among hiking enthusiasts in previous editions. Departing from the Cultural Square in Zhaitang Town, hikers will experience three villages scattered across the mountains. Though each has a distinct character, they all retain the folk atmosphere and historical charm of ancient villages. At the entrance of Shuangshitou Village stand two mysterious "flying" giant rocks, each four zhang in length and width, with houses built atop them. The nearby stream is filled with large, paired stones. Exploring this primitive and natural stone world inspires awe at the wonders of nature. From Shuangshitou, hikers will arrive at Cuandixia Village, the "living fossil" of northern Chinese dwellings. Strolling along the purple-and-green stone paths in the village, the harmony between green ecology and ancient culture highlights the pristine beauty of the mountainous environment in Western Beijing. Next, visitors will reach the nearby ancient village of Huanglingxi, known as the "Yan'an of Beijing." During the war of resistance, an average of one young man from each household joined the Eighth Route Army, with 19 revolutionary martyrs sacrificing their lives and over 60 generals having fought here. The fiery years of revolution forged intense passion, and the songs of that red era still resonate here today.

    "I never expected to find such a serene and well-preserved thousand-year-old temple deep in the mountains. What a pity if you don’t come to see it!" Almost every hiker who chooses this route will exclaim this after completing the course. Lingyue Temple, hidden deep in the mountains, was built during the Tang Dynasty and has a history of about 1,300 years. It is the only remaining complete ancient wooden structure in Beijing predating the Yuan Dynasty. Legend has it that the name of Zhaitang Town originated from Lingyue Temple. Hiking here, visitors can listen to the pine waves at the temple gate, gaze out over the surrounding mountains, and feel their spirits lifted.

    Departing from the Zhaitang Cultural Square and arriving at Malan Village, which is not only an ancient settlement but also the former site of the Jizhaji Command of the Eighth Route Army. From Malan, via Xiashankou and the Dasili Village film shooting base, hikers will reach Zhaitang Reservoir. As the largest and most scenic reservoir in Mentougou District, Zhaitang Reservoir features winding riverbanks, trees in hues of yellow and green, and moist air—perfect for both hiking and an enchanting autumn excursion.

    This route is the most famous "Red Journey" in the Beijing International Mountain Hiking Competition. Starting from Zhaitang Square, hikers will soon reach the "renowned throughout Beijing" revolutionary holy land—Malan Village. Reflecting on the red years, visitors can explore the headquarters of the Jizhaji Column, learn about the heroic deeds of the column under General Xiao Ke’s leadership as they fearlessly fought and achieved revolutionary victory, experience the red culture of Western Beijing, and relive the revolutionary fervor. The old ammunition depot, firearms workshop, communication station, kitchen, hospital ruins, and the faded stage—all silently recount the songs of time to hikers.