The event opened with the performance *Drumming for Peace*
Lu Yong, Party Group Secretary and Director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, delivered a speech.
Mentougou District, building on the legacy of the Ancient Trails of Western Beijing, also officially unveiled its plan to establish China’s first national trail system aligned with international standards. This system will utilize the Ancient Trails of Western Beijing network, which totals 684 kilometers in length, with 270 kilometers currently in existence, to connect with globally recognized concepts of national trails. Leveraging the capital’s resources, it aims to create a model zone for China’s national trail system. As the only pure mountainous area in Beijing, the district boasts abundant natural landscapes, historical and cultural resources, as well as unique regional assets—particularly the Ancient Trails of Western Beijing. The district has identified the development of the national trail system as a key focus for future tourism industry planning and construction.
Speech by Robert David Proudman, representative of the American Appalachian Trail expert group
At this international forum on national trails, the organizers invited Mr. Robert D. Proudman, Director of Conservation for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy—a U.S.-based NGO—and other renowned experts to share their experiences and insights on the development of national trail systems, as well as offer suggestions. The forum also launched the official logo for the national trails. The convening of this forum marks a new stage in the development of China’s national trail system.
Opening Ceremony of the Mountain Gate
Launch of the Mentougou National Trail Logo
Hiking Experience
Media Interviews
This year, the district has introduced a new theme, “Hiking in Western Beijing, Enjoying All Seasons,” with “hiking tourism” at its core, continuing to develop distinctive, seasonally themed tourism, cultural, and leisure activities unique to the valley. Spring is themed “Mountain Greening Season,” featuring key events such as the Miaofeng Mountain Folk Temple Fair, the Western Beijing Flower Viewing Festival, and the Beijing Mentougou International Cross-Country Challenge. Summer, themed “Yongding River Source-Seeking Season,” will host events including the Yongding River Culture Festival, the Western Beijing Ghost Festival, and the Dingfeng Peak Mountain Bike Challenge. A large-scale legendary drama *Drumming for Peace*, created in conjunction with the district’s intangible cultural heritage—the Western Beijing Taiping Drum—will also premiere. Autumn, themed “Ancient Village Exploration Season,” will include the 4th Beijing International Mountain Hiking Congress, the “Red Mountains All Around” Western Beijing Red Leaf Festival, the Double Ninth Festival, and the Lingshui Autumn Porridge Festival, showcasing the area’s distinctive ancient villages. Winter, themed “Ancient Temple Blessing Season,” highlights events such as the Jietai Temple New Year Temple Fair and the “Bring Blessings Home” Ancient Temple Welcoming Festival in Mentougou. Notably, the 400-year-old Western Beijing Ancient Banner Parade, passed down in Qianjuntai and Zhuanghu Villages, will offer visitors a unique folk culture experience.