On March 9, the China branch of the International Ramblers' Association (CVA) / "China Hiking Network" presented a unique gift for International Women's Day during the ongoing National Two Sessions — a large-scale themed hiking event titled [Power Walk, Women].
The confident and self-reliant "power walking" actions of contemporary Chinese women from all over not only elevated the concept of "hiking," promoting a higher approach and lifestyle among modern Chinese women, but the event itself also showcased one of the most vibrant landscapes of a "Beautiful China."
On the day of the event, the women braved wind and sand, their dresses flowing and scarves flying. They abandoned mall shopping sprees and rejected the sedentary comfort of staying at home. Guided by healthy ideals such as hiking to relieve stress, connecting with nature, green travel, and reducing smog, they gracefully wore dresses and passionately power-walked through 8-level sandstorms, displaying the health and passion of modern women. Perhaps it was the first time for many of them to walk against the wind in such conditions, or perhaps it was the perfect scene where women’s dresses rival the sandstorm. The heroic actions of over 200 women made us see modern women in a new light.
The [Power Walk, Women] event site was dazzling, unfolding a new chapter of a "Beautiful China"
According to Jin Qiao, Secretary-General and head of China Hiking Network, the organization had long wanted to hold a special event for women. One reason was the vision of showcasing the perfect blend of grace and passion, and another was out of respect for modern women. This year, with the release of China’s first film advocating hiking to relieve stress, [Power Walk, Women], it provided a timely topic and inspiration for the successful planning of this event.
The less-than-ideal weather on March 9 did not dampen the enthusiasm of the over 200 power-walking women. With the China Hiking Network fully prepared with emergency plans and safety measures, the power-walking event kicked off as scheduled, full of energy. Starting from Guanting Water Gate and moving forward, all participants seemed to be living out the lyrics "you are the wind, I am the sand," with colorful flags accompanying them. Encouraging each other along the way, between mountains, water, and deserts, Bohemian skirts danced in the wind, punk outdoor styles stood out boldly, from 70-year-olds to 7-year-olds, all singing, laughing, confident and open... freely expressing the inherent charm and beauty of women.
Interviewing participants, asking if the strong winds that day dampened their spirits, the women shook their heads repeatedly: "No way, quite the opposite actually. We felt it was even more exciting than the real [Power Walk, Women] movie. And one of the banners at the event perfectly expressed our mood: ‘Go wild without regret, let wildness speak true feelings, may you come to love this wildness!’"
Creating monuments for confident women, [Power Walk, Women] showcases women’s diversity
The [Power Walk, Women] organized by CVA asked no questions about age or background, "If you want to walk, just come." Whether in full makeup or bare-faced, "If you dare to wear it, we’ll walk in it." The event carefully selected diverse hiking routes, allowing women to power-walk through wilderness, pause under wind turbines, race footprints in the desert, gallop on horseback with dresses flying, reject frailty with a shot of liquor...
The massive participating group came from all over the country, unrestricted by region, age, or appearance — women, men; young adults, elderly; office ladies, full-time housewives... An 18-year-old girl walked with a 70-year-old woman; couples held hands; families of three walked together; groups of young women dragged their most shy guy friends along, dressed in skirts; punks walked with forest girls; Chinese women walked with foreign women...
Laughter and songs painted a picture of a harmonious society and an emerging China. Foreign friends, popular hosts and singers from mainland China and overseas Chinese communities, including Michael Ryan (also known as Zhao Enshi), were moved by the harmonious and warm atmosphere on-site.
Throughout the day of reporting, the biggest takeaway was that International Women’s Day is not just a holiday for women, but more importantly, it serves as a reminder for society to pay attention to, care for, and cherish women. "Hiking" is not just a sport, it also signifies health, confidence, harmonious families, and a harmonious society...