On June 1, hiking enthusiasts from China and abroad, along with visitors from all over, trekked through the former imperial garden of Xiangshan Park, sounding the starting call for the healthy hiking event at Famous Mountains Imperial Garden in Haidian District, Beijing. Approximately 200 people, including participants from the International Nordic Walking Association and hiking enthusiasts and tourists from both home and abroad, had the privilege of being among the first to experience it.
In response to the wishes of many hiking enthusiasts, Beijing’s Xiangshan Park has planned a 4-kilometer health hiking route called Famous Mountains Imperial Garden. The trail starts from the ruins of Zhizhi Zhai in Xiangshan, passing through Berlin Community, Yuruquan Road, Qiyue Mountain Villa, Xiangwu Cave (platform), Tiyun Mountain House, Yuhuaxiu, Furong House, Zhisong Garden, and then back to the ruins of Zhizhi Zhai. This route encompasses eight of the twenty-eight scenic spots of “Xiangshan Jingyi Garden,” and this hiking trail—combining imperial landscapes, royal architecture, and mountain wilderness charm—has become a “legend” in outdoor trekking.
It is introduced that during the heyday of the “Three Hills and Five Gardens,” the area was an important military stronghold of the Qing Dynasty, home not only to the Eight Banners garrison but also to the Xiangshan Jianrui Camp. Activities such as pitch-pot, archery, shuttlecock kicking, and cuju not only showcased the distinctive cavalry camp culture of Beijing’s Xiangshan area but also reflected the essence of traditional Chinese sports culture.
To promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about proper mountain hiking methods, the organizers also created promotional display boards featuring activities such as pitch-pot, archery, shuttlecock kicking, and cuju. They organized members and visitors to demonstrate trekking pole exercises, promoting the joyful, safe, and scientific method of hiking with poles—reducing physical impact and wear during the activity, and making hiking more fun and healthy.