“I’ve been exercising for decades and have won awards big and small, but I’ve always wanted to challenge myself on this snowy plateau. This time, with the opportunity of the Namtso Hiking Festival, I finally realized my dream,” said Qing Weiguo, 70, this year.
At the 8th Namtso International Hiking Festival, themed “Walking the Summit of Heaven, Capturing the Essence of Namtso,” several seniors over the age of 50 signed up to challenge their limits and surpass themselves. The event kicked off with a departure ceremony at Potala Palace Square on August 8, after which participants headed collectively to the event site — the Namtso Scenic Area in Damxung County, situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters. At 9 a.m. on August 9, a 12-kilometer hike around Tashi Peninsula officially began. The hiking route featured supply stations every 2 kilometers as well as Lhasa culture exhibition spots set up along the lakeside, including dance performance areas, Tibetan opera areas, dairy product areas, and handicraft areas.
Qing Weiguo, 70, and his wife stood out among the hundred-plus hikers. “Grandpa, aren’t you taking a bit of a risk bringing your wife to hike on the plateau at your age?” Many participants kindly reminded Qing of the risks upon learning his age. It turned out that Qing Weiguo’s daughter also signed up for the hiking festival together with them, mainly to take care of her parents due to concerns about their health.
Qing Weiguo is a sports enthusiast. Despite being in his seventies, his passion for sports remains undiminished. Living in Chengdu, he still plays tennis and walks daily. After gradually achieving his goals, Qing began setting his sights on the snowy plateau, hoping one day to challenge his athletic skills there.
Upon learning that the 8th China Lhasa Namtso International Hiking Festival was open for registration, he decisively signed up. His wife, who has long been influenced by Qing’s passion, also joined the hiking event. During the hike, Qing and his wife supported each other and successfully completed the 12-kilometer journey. “Their perseverance impressed all of us participants,” said participant Wang Xinrong.
Ding Huiping, 58, from Shanghai, also signed up for the hiking festival alone this year. “Although I didn’t win any prizes, I finished the entire hike without feeling unwell, which means I’ve overcome myself,” said Ding. She was also very interested in the various exhibition areas set up along the route, learning Tibetan opera, making handicrafts, tasting yogurt, and more, keeping herself happily busy. “This hiking festival not only let me experience the stunning natural scenery of Namtso but also allowed me to connect intimately with Tibetan culture. This will be the most wonderful memory of my life,” Ding added.
The 8th Namtso International Hiking Festival was conducted through group competitions. The event concluded successfully on the evening of August 9, and various awards were presented among the participants, including Best Team Award and Old but Gold Award.