Although I have visited Yunnan, Lijiang, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain many times, this trip holds a different significance: not for sightseeing or tourism, but for a special event — the "China 0? Highland Mountaineering Challenge." Not only as an interviewer, but also as an experiencer, I deeply felt the hardships and charm of high-altitude mountaineering during this competition.
On the morning of June 20, at the foot of the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, 104 athletes and public climbing participants from 22 teams across the country gathered to compete in a high-altitude mountain race.
The starting point of the race was set at the large meadow of Yu Lake Village in Yulong County, at an altitude of 2,584 meters, with the finish line at Mayi Dam, 3,326 meters above sea level. The straight-line distance was 5 kilometers (the descent of 5 kilometers was considered a “free bonus”), with an elevation difference of over 700 meters. The event was a men's and women's hill climb race. Unlike low-altitude mountain races, the biggest challenge for the athletes was coping with the severe conditions of high-altitude oxygen deficiency. It is understood that among the male participants, the oldest was 48 years old and the youngest was 18; among the female participants, the oldest was 53 and the youngest was 17.
At the sound of the starting gun, I began taking photos while rushing out of the starting line with the athletes. After running just a short distance, the heavy photography equipment made me gasp for breath — after all, this wasn’t flat ground but high altitude. After advancing about 1.5 kilometers, I witnessed a “harsh” scene on the track: a female athlete lying flat on the ground, pale-faced. The male athlete accompanying her said she had started too fast, triggering altitude sickness and vomiting, forcing her to stop and rest. Luo Shen, the head coach of the Chinese Mountaineering Team, happened to pass by. He carefully inquired about the athlete’s condition and repeatedly urged everyone to prioritize safety and know their limits.
The sun blazed brightly and temperatures rose; drenched in sweat, we continued climbing. The path grew steeper, with loose rocks scattered densely underfoot. While panting heavily, I checked my pulse. Liu Feng, deputy secretary-general of the Sichuan Mountaineering Association who was walking beside me, said, “Don’t bother checking — it’s at least 180 beats per minute!” Sure enough. After a brief rest and wanting to climb higher, it felt like I had put on magical “red dancing shoes” — unable to stop. Perhaps this is the unique allure of high-altitude mountaineering.
According to local officials from Yulong County, the county has been meticulously developing a “National High-Altitude Mountain Racing Base.” Currently, the county boasts 43 climbing routes. The local outdoor sports association has 23 organizational members and 87 individual members. Since its establishment, the association has organized at least one outdoor activity per month, with participants ranging in age from 4 to 76. The deputy secretary of the Yulong County Party Committee stated that he hopes events like these will encourage people to value health and live joyfully.
After a grueling climb, it took me nearly 90 minutes to reach the finish line, while the men’s champion finished in around 37 minutes. Ashamed, ashamed — but at least I persevered to the end. Participation is what matters, I consoled myself.
The journey on June 21 was even more demanding, involving a 20-kilometer uphill race. Of course, I participated again — not for the result, but more importantly, to experience the process of climbing: “exhausting, yet joyful.”