CVA’s “Beijing Central Axis New Year’s Eve Hiking Rally,” as another major hiking event brand of CVA, has garnered significant attention from hiking enthusiasts. This being the second edition of the Central Axis New Year’s event, it attracted nearly 200 participants. Together, they laughed and rejoiced along the way, sharing the thrilling moment of the new year’s transition—from 2013 to 2014 (a lovingly symbolic “love you forever”). What a meaningful way to ring in the new
Event Organizer: CVA
Event Leader: CVA China Hiking Network Leader: Suifeng
Event Time: December 31, 2013, 20:30 – January 1, 2014, 00:30
Event Route: Yongdingmen – Tianqiao – Qianmen – Tian’anmen – Donghuamen – Xihuamen – Di’anmen – Bell and Drum Towers, passing through Tian’anmen Square, characteristic hutongs, the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, Wan’an Bridge, Shichahai, and Dezhengjun Temple among other scenic spots
Target Audience: Everyone
CVA Level: No elevation gain, just an added distance. CVA 1.0
Event Official Website: http://www.chinawalking.net.cn/newsite/huodongview.php?id=381
Event Origin:
Following the great successes of large-scale events such as the “Decade Hiking along the Ancient Silk Road,” “Yellow River Source Hiking Adventure Conference,” “Tibet Namtso International Hiking Conference,” and “Himalaya (China-Nepal) International Urban Hiking Traverse,” CVA, together with the China Hiking Network, grandly launched the “Beijing Central Axis New Year’s Eve Hiking Conference” at the turn of 2012 and 2013. This event presented another impactful and meaningful hiking extravaganza for CVA members, Beijing residents, and the general public across China. It not only created the first large-scale hiking tourism brand in the field of mass sports to perfectly combine New Year’s Eve, hiking, and the central axis, but more importantly, it changed the traditional way of celebrating the New Year by integrating the ancient capital’s traditional culture under the night sky with the green and popular hiking movement for the first time. This created a new practice for celebrating the New Year and provided a more novel, scientific, and environmentally friendly option for enriching urban life and welcoming the new year.
[Event Summary]
Walk the Dragon Vein through the ancient capital’s night charm, listen to the New Year’s gospel of bell and drum
Experience culture amid imperial architecture, bid farewell to the old and welcome the new through hiking
CVA “Beijing Central Axis New Year’s Eve Hiking Conference”
Enrich citizens’ New Year’s Eve options
[Event Highlights]:
Walk the Dragon Vein through the ancient capital’s night charm — Let daylight understand the darkness of night
Nighttime Beijing is different from the daytime — with shadowy lights, swaying tree silhouettes, rows of imperial architecture, and vibrant street culture… The cultural scenery of the ancient capital under the night sky, the royal ancient buildings bathed in the warm glow of street lamps, and the enduring charm of Beijing’s long history exude everywhere. Experience the humanistic culture of the ancient capital and the atmosphere of imperial architecture. In the quietest moment of the day, in the most tranquil core area of the old city — the Imperial City — the three-hour hiking journey of the “Beijing Central Axis New Year’s Eve Hiking Conference” allows you to appreciate the architecture, historical stories, and the real lives of Beijing residents along the route. Let daylight understand the darkness of night for the first time, and experience the serene beauty of the ancient world under the night sky.
Listen to the New Year’s gospel of bell and drum — Let busyness understand the beauty of leisure
New Year’s Eve is different from ordinary days — the start of spring, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, leaving behind yesterday’s glory or bitterness, and embarking on new expectations and journeys… At the turn of 2013 and 2014, we should pause to take stock. Through hiking — the healthiest form of activity — let your feet walk the path while your heart follows the road. Thus, the busy heart can rest at night, seeking tranquility in motion. When the bell tower chimes in the New Year, busyness will come to understand the beauty of leisure.
Experience culture amid imperial architecture — Let ancient buildings bridge history and today
Beijing has a 3,000-year history of city-building and an 800-year history as the capital. Its radial urban layout centered around the imperial palace and the 7.8-kilometer-long central axis stretching from Yongdingmen to the Bell Tower represent the most outstanding achievements in ancient Beijing’s urban construction and one of the most remarkable examples of urban design in world history. A walk along the central axis allows you to learn about the architecture, historical stories, and the real lives of Beijing residents, experiencing the fusion of history and the present amid the dazzling modern changes. Such an event is also in perfect harmony with CVA’s slogan: “Spread the joy of movement, walk through Chinese culture.”
Bid farewell to the old and welcome the new through hiking — Let harmonious hiking achieve mutual benefits and coexistence
During this hiking conference, we witness a heartwarming scene of harmony and unity: among the hikers are lawyers, singers, generals, professors, youths, elders, volunteers, and even public figures. Regardless of region, age, rank, or wealth, as the new year approaches, everyone shares one common wish in the most approachable form of exercise — hiking. They aim to sweep away the shadows of the past year and look forward to the arrival of 2014. Walking hand in hand with family and loved ones, listening to the gospel of the bell and drum, harmony is the true path of life.
Post-event Member Comments:
Xiaoxiangshu: Stepping over 2013 and into 2014. No need for grandeur or thrills, laughter and tears are all rewards — a journey worthwhile…
Feng: A team of 120 people hiked the Beijing Central Axis on New Year’s Eve from Yongdingmen through Qianmen and Tian’anmen to the Drum Tower, listening to the midnight chime. Everyone agreed to meet again in 2014.
Xiaoxiaoxi: As 2014 drew nearer, everyone counted down together, cheering with joy. Since joining the hiking network in July 2013, I’ve fully experienced the joy hiking brings — getting close to nature, cherishing every moment of life, and treasuring everyone who loves me. In 2014, I will keep walking, and keep walking without looking back.
Yu Jie: Besides the memories stored in our hearts, there are also thoughtful people who use their cameras to send you memories [smile]. Thank you, friends. Happy New Year’s Eve tonight!!
As 2013 meets 2014, we embrace the healthiest form of travel—hiking—with our feet on the path and the journey in our hearts. Thus, the restless heart finds rest at night, seeking tranquility in motion. When the bell tower chimes in the New Year, the busyness comes to understand the beauty of leisure.
CVA looks forward to seeing you again next year—you who love hiking!!