Climbing steep mountain paths step by step, over 500 "hikers" from East China were quite busy. They split into multiple groups, simultaneously heading toward Zhejiang’s renowned mountain—Jinzizhui Peak in Chun’an County, Hangzhou City. The breathtaking scenery along the way was overwhelming, but the path was rugged and treacherous.
Chun’an County has long been known as the "County of a Thousand Peaks," with over ten peaks within its borders reaching around 1,500 meters in elevation. The peaks are diverse in shape and the scenery ever-changing. Jinzizhui, also called Jinzifeng, is located at the border between Zuokou and Wangfu townships in Chun’an County, standing 1,450.8 meters above sea level. Surrounded by numerous peaks and covered with pine trees, it is hailed as the "Yellow Mountain of Western Zhejiang."
The mountainous region centered around Jinzizhui has developed several popular hiking routes.
It has been reported that recently, multiple groups of "hikers" followed six different routes, each taking between 5 to 8 hours, successfully reaching the summit and even accomplishing challenging "through-hikes." This outdoor hiking activity attracted over 500 hiking enthusiasts from cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou.
Among them, the longest route, the "Big Loop," requires nearly 8 hours of climbing. This route takes the most time and is particularly difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, it attracted many local hiking enthusiasts eager for adventure.
An 86-year-old man insisted on completing the 8-hour "Big Loop." He laughed and said, "Although I’m old, my skills are still sharp—I can definitely keep up with the young guys."
The elderly man, with white hair but clad in professional hiking gear and carrying a professional camera, walked with remarkable steadiness. After more than 8 hours on the "Big Loop," he remained full of vigor and chatted animatedly with the reporter.
An organizer from Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, told reporters that they had recently gathered hikers through online forums and microblogs. Once the message was released, it immediately attracted fifty or sixty participants. Many "hikers" heard that the area had stunning scenery and challenging trails, and were eager to experience it for themselves.
Reporters learned that the hiking event has brought the "mountain element" of Chun’an’s natural resources back to life. Leveraging its landscape advantages to expand and enhance its mountain-water appeal, the people of Chun’an—who once suffered poverty due to the lake in the last century—have now overcome their difficulties.
"Events such as hiking festivals, cycling tours, and outdoor expansion activities have attracted countless 'hikers,' including celebrity figures such as business magnates Jack Ma and Chen Miaolin," said Yang Yifeng, deputy director of the Chun’an County Scenic Area Tourism Commission, who is optimistic about the intangible brand value behind the mountain-water elements.