On April 21, the 2013 National Mass Mountaineering Fitness Conference and Qingdao Mountaineering Fitness Festival will open. This year, the main venue of the mountaineering festival has moved from Chengyang to Heshan Scenic Area in Jimo. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Qingdao Mountaineering Fitness Festival, the main venue will not only host mountaineering activities but also feature a variety of other activities. Although fewer mountains are open this year due to greater fire safety pressures compared to last year, citizens can still participate in free mountaineering activities at 28 mountain areas (parks) and scenic spots that are open across various districts and cities.
The main venue moves to Heshan this year
In the past two years, the main venue of the Qingdao Mountaineering Fitness Festival was set up at People’s Square in Chengyang District. However, Li Shuguang, Deputy Director of the Qingdao Municipal Sports Bureau, explained that in order to allow the festival to reach a wider audience across the city, this year’s main venue has been relocated to Heshan Scenic Area in Jimo. “Since 2003, the third Saturday of April each year has been designated as Qingdao’s Citizens’ Mountaineering Fitness Day. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the festival,” said Li Shuguang. Over the past ten years, the Qingdao Mountaineering Fitness Festival has become a well-known mass sports event nationwide. The theme of this year’s festival is “The Essence of Mountains and Seas, Health for All” and “Clean Up Our Homes, Starting with Me.”
It is understood that at 9:00 a.m. on April 21, a launch ceremony will be held at the main venue. Afterward, all participating organizations will, under the direction of relevant personnel, organize orderly mountaineering activities along designated routes, with approximately 3,000 climbers from various regions taking part in the main venue activities. At the same time, nine other sub-venues in different districts and cities will also hold related events simultaneously.
28 Mountain Scenic Areas Open to the Public
Last year, 48 mountain areas (parks) and scenic spots were open to the public during the mountaineering festival. Compared to last year, the number of open mountain areas has significantly decreased this year, with only 28 locations available (see table for details).
According to a spokesperson from the organizing committee, this reduction is mainly due to the dry spring and low rainfall, which have created a severe fire prevention situation and placed great pressure on fire safety. Based on fire safety requirements, some mountain areas and scenic spots that were previously open are not suitable for receiving large numbers of visitors this year. For fire safety reasons, the main venue will not allow participation from any groups or individuals not organized by the festival’s official committee. Fire department officials have also reminded the public that when participating in mountaineering activities, units, groups, and individuals should maintain a strong awareness of fire prevention, strictly avoid bringing any fire sources into scenic areas, and refrain from smoking within the scenic zones. “We hope everyone will actively cooperate with forest rangers before climbing, strictly avoid using fire near the edges of scenic areas, and if a fire is spotted on the mountain, promptly call the fire department. Do not attempt to extinguish it yourself, as the black pine trees on the mountain can explode into flames when ignited, posing extreme danger to non-professionals.”
Additionally, this year’s mountaineering festival coincides with the 25th Patriotic Health Month, further emphasizing environmental protection while promoting fitness through mountain activities. It is understood that the organizing committee may provide each climber with one garbage bag at the main venue.
National Physical Fitness Tests Available On-site
As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the mountaineering festival, activities at all venues are especially diverse. The main venue in particular offers a dazzling array of events. It is understood that on the day of the event at Heshan Scenic Area, in addition to the mountaineering activities, there will also be promotional events for sports lotteries, the 25th Patriotic Health Month, national physical fitness testing, and scientific fitness consultation sessions.
In addition, a variety of competitions will also add excitement to the festival. In addition to the Spring Kite Competition to be held at the main venue, an outdoor cross-country competition will take place in the Juling Scenic Area of Laoshan. The competition will be held from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. on May 4, with the location set in the Juling Scenic Area of Laoshan. Registration details: limited to 100 participants for each gender; contact person: Feng Yandong of the Qingdao Mountaineering Sports Association; fax: 13906425657; email: qddengshan@163.com.
■ Tip: Best Time to Climb Is One Hour After a Meal
Master the correct mountaineering techniques. When ascending, shift your body’s center of gravity forward and take smaller steps. On steep slopes, lift your knees higher and lean slightly forward. When descending, keep your upper body upright or slightly tilted backward. Using trekking poles throughout the hike can effectively protect your knee joints.
Pay attention to scientific planning. Before mountaineering for fitness, replenish food, and the best time to start climbing is one hour after a meal. During the hike, take breaks that combine short and long durations, with more short breaks than long ones. Avoid sitting on damp ground or in windy areas during breaks to prevent catching a cold.