Historical villages and red tourism routes will take participants to the former base of the Jirezha Advance Detachment, a 100-kilometer race will once again challenge athletes, and a green waterfront hiking route will showcase the new look of Mentougou as a mountain city by the water... On July 19, the 3rd Beijing International Mountain Hiking Festival, themed "Hiking Through Historic Mountain Villages, Leading a New Leisure Lifestyle," held a press conference at the Beijing International Hotel Conference Center.
The highly anticipated 3rd Beijing International Mountain Hiking Festival will return to Western Beijing this September. With seven distinctive hiking routes, a two-phase, four-day competition schedule, and stunning natural scenery combined with local folk culture, the event will welcome 15,000 participants to create an international mass sports spectacle.
From now on, hiking enthusiasts and the general public can visit the official website to browse event details and register and pay online to participate. Athletes in the professional competitive group must register on-site at designated venues authorized by the organizing committee and can only pay and join after their qualifications are confirmed. Additionally, all finishers will receive a certificate, and the top ten male and female finishers in the 100-kilometer competitive group will be awarded cash prizes.
At the press conference, Wang Hongzhong, Director of the Organizing Committee and District Chief of Mentougou District, announced details about the 3rd Hiking Festival. Li Lili, Executive Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, and Vice Chairperson of the Beijing Sports Federation, launched the official registration website. Li Xiaoqiang, Executive Vice President of the Beijing International Exchange Association of Civil Organizations and the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, unveiled the festival mascot—BuBu Long. Finally, Han Zirong, Director of the Organizing Committee and Secretary of the CPC Mentougou District Committee, presented a certificate to Huang Nubo, image ambassador of the festival and Chairman of Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group, also a renowned poet.
At the ceremony, Chen Guocai, Standing Deputy District Chief and member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Mentougou District Committee, signed cooperation agreements with Beijing Jingmei Group Co., Ltd., the title sponsor, and representatives from strategic partners including Sohu, Xtep International Holdings Limited, China Unicom Beijing Branch, Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group Co., Ltd., and Phoenix Healthcare Group. A video message from an international hiking organization was also played during the event.
The festival is jointly organized by the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, the People’s Government of Mentougou District, the Beijing Sports Federation, and the Beijing International Exchange Association of Civil Organizations. The competition is divided among three zones—Mentougou New Town, Qianshan, and Zhaitang—and features three participant categories: professional competitive, fitness and leisure, and hiking stars. This year, the festival introduces five new features: newly developed routes in Mencheng Lake and the Qianshan area, stronger promotion of low-carbon and environmentally friendly practices (no bottled water, fewer private cars), greater involvement of grassroots hiking groups, increased technological integration to reduce staff and operational costs, and expanded international exchange and collaboration. The refreshed 3rd Jingmei Cup Beijing International Mountain Hiking Festival awaits participants.
Seven Unique Hiking Routes—A National First
Building on the success of the first two editions, this year’s festival adds a short warm-up race and two new routes: a 20-kilometer fitness and leisure trail along the ancient incense path in Miaofengshan Town on September 8, and a 20-kilometer green waterfront route along the Yongding River in Mentougou New Town on September 9.
From September 15–16, during the main event in Zhaitang, the remaining five routes will open: the 100-kilometer extreme challenge for the professional competitive group; the 30-kilometer pristine wilderness route, 20-kilometer ancient temple trail, 20-kilometer reservoir scenery trail, and 10-kilometer historical villages and red tourism route for the fitness and leisure group. To earn the title of “Hiking Star,” participants must complete both the 30-kilometer pristine wilderness route on September 15 and the 20-kilometer reservoir scenery route on September 16.
According to organizers, the Beijing International Mountain Hiking Festival not only boasts the richest variety of routes in China but also features the highest number of historical and cultural sites along the way, as well as some of the most stunning landscapes. The route areas include nearly 20 historic villages such as the National Historical and Cultural Village Cuandixia, as well as scenic spots like the Yongding River Grand Canyon, Huangcaoliang, and the former headquarters of the Jirezha Advance Detachment in Malan Village. The trails offer breathtaking natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and deep historical significance. The newly added Miaofeng Mountain ancient incense path and Yongding River green waterfront trail allow both domestic and international hikers to experience the profound folk culture of Mentougou and the modern mountain-city-by-the-water.
Among the seven hiking routes, the 100-kilometer extreme challenge starts and ends at the main venue. The route passes through Zhaitang Town Cultural Square, Cuandixia, Baiyu, Huangcaoliang, Xiangyangshui, Longmen Grand Rift Valley, Yanhekou, the Beijing section of Youzhou Grand Canyon (turnaround), Yanhe Ancient Town, Pearl Lake (turnaround), Yanhekou, Niuzhan, Gaopu, and back to Zhaitang Town Cultural Square.
The highest point is 1,664 meters above sea level, and the lowest is 358 meters. There are nine checkpoints along the way, with an additional supply station every five kilometers after the 50-kilometer mark. This is currently the highest-altitude and greatest-altitude-spanning 100-kilometer race route in China. The route features complex terrain and is designed to embody the spirit of extreme sports—"constant challenge and bold transcendence." Along the way, hikers will see the weathered "Seven Towers" of the Ming Great Wall, the precipitous Tianjin Pass, the resilience of the military stronghold of Yanhe Town, and the beauty of Pearl Lake, known as the "Little Li River of Western Beijing."
The 30-kilometer pristine wilderness route will pass through Asia’s largest natural birch forest and traverse ancient trade paths through famous western Beijing villages such as Cuandixia and Huanglingxi. The route perfectly blends beautiful ecology with ancient culture, highlighting the pristine environment of the western mountainous region. The highest elevation is 1,188 meters, and the lowest is 420 meters.
The 20-kilometer ancient temple trail centers around the quintessentially northern mountain village of "Stone Village"—Shuangshitou—and the thousand-year-old Lingyue Temple. The architectural style of Shuangshitou, with houses built on rocks, showcases the harmony between humans and nature, gradually revealing the essence of stone culture along winding paths. “Lingyue Temple predates Zhaitang Town”—climb Baitie Mountain to admire the beauty of Linggui Mountain and explore the mystery of Lingyue Temple’s morning bells and evening drums. This trail offers a deep dive into the traditional village culture and rich folklore history of western Beijing.
The 20-kilometer reservoir scenery route takes hikers past the former headquarters of the Jirezha Advance Detachment in Malan Village, the Dasanli ancient village film base, and Zhaitang Reservoir. With serene high gorges and calm waters, shimmering under the sky, and flocks of birds, the reservoir offers a peaceful escape from city life, allowing participants to unwind and enjoy the early autumn charm of the ancient town. The Dasanli ancient village film base offers a journey into a quaint, rustic “mountain Hollywood.” The highest elevation is 650 meters, and the lowest is 420 meters.
The 10-kilometer red tourism route passes landmarks such as the Malan Village opera stage, Malan Reservoir, and Shuxiu Plantation. The trail includes asphalt roads, concrete paths, and dirt roads. In Malan Village, where General Xiao Ke led the Jirezha Advance Detachment, participants can experience the daily life of local residents near historic revolutionary sites, reflect on the red years, remember the revolutionary spirit, and sense the red culture of western Beijing.
It’s worth noting that while the Yongding River green waterfront route and Miaofeng Mountain ancient incense path are making their first appearance in the festival, they are already well-known among hiking enthusiasts, low-carbon advocates, and travelers.
The 20-kilometer Yongding River green waterfront route circles Mencheng Lake and Lianshi Lake along the Yongding River. This route blends seamlessly with the landscape, offering a refreshing swim through green waters and gentle waves. Its unique layout connects green corridors with urban landscaping, showcasing the beauty of the Yongding River like a pearl emerging from the mountains. Observation decks built from white marble pillars and bluestone highlight the river’s rich historical culture. From the high platforms, you can take in sweeping views of the landscape, and around the lake, witness the new face of Mencheng.
The 20-kilometer Miaofeng Mountain ancient incense path route passes by Golden Summit Miaofeng Mountain, Flower Viewing Platform, Rose Valley, and Jian’gou Village. Golden Summit Miaofeng Mountain, a sacred site integrating Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and folk traditions, was the most vibrant center for traditional folk religious activities in North China during the late Ming, Qing, and Republican periods. In 1925, the renowned folklorist Gu Jiegang of Peking University conducted pioneering field research on Miaofeng Mountain and its ancient incense path, marking the birth of modern Chinese folklore field studies. This newly added trail also takes hikers through the famed Ten-Thousand-Mu Rose Garden, known as the “best in North China,” where you can enjoy the view of “mountains blooming in every direction and flowers in sight year-round.”
Building an International Premium Event to Boost Industry Development
The Beijing International Mountain Hiking Festival is the first international mountain sports brand event approved by the Beijing Municipal Government. It is a key component in building a world-class city with Chinese characteristics and an international sports hub, and is the fourth major international premium sports brand launched by Beijing after the Beijing Marathon, China Open Tennis, and Snooker China Open. Held annually, the festival...
In a congratulatory video message at the press conference, Temont, President of the Royal Dutch Hiking Association, said: “Over the past few years of engagement with your country, we have learned about many hiking events in Beijing. We are delighted to hear that the 3rd Beijing International Mountain Hiking Festival will be held this year. We are pleased to see the collaboration between the organizing committees of our Netherlands’ Nijmegen March and the Beijing Hiking Festival. Together, we not only organize hiking events but also share many responsibilities. Dear Chinese friends, we are keen to deepen our cooperation so that our cherished memories can endure. May we organize more hiking events together, and may our collaboration promote hiking worldwide—that is our shared mission. We look forward to meeting you again in Beijing. Goodbye, see you in September!”
The hiking festival combines international appeal, mass participation, inclusiveness, and professionalism, and features four distinctive elements: Yongding River culture, mountain tourism services, mountainous natural environments, and the mountain sports industry. This year’s event, positioned as “rooted in the capital, serving citizens,” will host up to 15,000 participants, with 10% of them being international. This includes foreign dignitaries, embassy staff and families in Beijing, and international residents including students.
Furthermore, the event adheres to international professional sports standards in planning, route design, facilities, marketing, and promotion. All athletes in the professional competitive group will be tracked via GPS, while fitness and leisure participants will have their times recorded via timing chips—a first among international mass hiking events in China. The festival also promotes low-carbon, eco-friendly, and healthy hiking by eliminating bottled water, reducing private vehicles, increasing technological integration, involving grassroots hiking organizations, and allowing participants to enjoy outdoor sports more purely—all measures that enhance the event’s international and professional standards.
Moreover, the festival integrates sports, culture, leisure, and tourism, driving the integrated development of mountain sports and tourism culture industries. During the event, a diverse range of cultural activities will showcase the long history, rich culture, hospitality, and modern openness of Mentougou. National intangible cultural heritage performances such as Taiping Drum, Ancient Banner Music, Majestic Gongs and Drums, Yangko dance, and Dragon Dance will be displayed along the hiking routes, alongside events like the Mountain Poetry Festival and Buddhist Music Festival, offering cultural feasts for attendees. To serve hikers comprehensively, the organizers will set up a campsite, outdoor gear exhibition and sales area, and food service zone at Zhaitang Town Central Square. Taking this opportunity, the China International Outdoor Sports Industry Alliance Base will be established in Zhaitang Town to attract global outdoor sports resources, gradually expand industrialization and marketization, and ultimately become a world-renowned outdoor sports hub.
As Beijing’s first mass international mountain sports brand event, the organizing committee has developed a three-phase development plan: short-term goals include aligning the event’s level, scale, standards, segments, and schedules with international norms within three years to achieve national leadership and influence, and striving to establish the China Hiking Alliance in Beijing. Medium-term goals involve aligning infrastructure and reception standards with international levels within 3–5 years, expanding mountain sports offerings to reach leading status in Asia. Long-term goals aim to develop a series of mountain sports such as mountain biking and off-road events over 5–8 years, explore multiple regions and routes including shallow mountain areas and the Yongding River corridor, and build the event into a branded, scaled, serialized, and industrialized world-famous hiking festival with high global recognition.
Building a Capital International High-End Mountain Tourism and Cultural Resort
Mentougou District is located in western Beijing, covering an area of 1,455 square kilometers, with mountainous regions accounting for 98.5%. The Yongding River runs through the district for over a hundred kilometers, flanked by verdant peaks and picturesque scenery, earning it the title “Gallery of a Hundred Miles” and making it the green ecological barrier of the capital’s west. With a long history, human activity in Mentougou dates back 10,000 years to the early Neolithic “Donghulin people.” The area is home to over 570 cultural and historical sites, including the renowned Tanzhe Temple and Jietai Temple, which shine like precious jewels. Landmarks such as the Capital’s Roof—Lingshan Mountain, North China’s Botanical Garden—Baihuashan Mountain, and the birthplace of folklore—Miaofeng Mountain—boast diverse and stunning vistas. Mentougou New Town lies at a key junction of the Western Development Belt and Chang’an Avenue, just 25 kilometers from Tiananmen Square. National Highways 108 and 109 run through the district, while urban expressways like Lianhua Road and Fushi Road provide direct access to central Beijing. The “One Lake, Ten Parks, Five Waters Linked” urban landscape system has been completed, making Mentougou New Town one of the most accessible new towns in Beijing.
The main venue of this hiking event—Zhaitang Town in Mentougou District—is a nationally recognized town known for its distinctive landscape tourism, an environmentally beautiful town, and a mountainous tourism hub in Beijing. It is also a cultural and creative industry cluster for ancient villages and trails in the city, and has been honored as the “Best Tourism Destination” and China’s first “Mountain Outdoor Sports Venue.” The area features an international outdoor sports base at the Huangcaoliang Natural Ecological Zone, the Jiujiu Mountain Natural Ecological Tourism Area known as the “Ancestor of Western Hills,” the Longmenkou Grand Rift Valley Natural Ecological Tourism Area, the Hulin Valley Natural Ecological Tourism Area, the Shiyanggou Ecological Tourism Area, and the nationally renowned Shuanglong Gorge Scenic Area. There are also dozens of ancient villages, represented by the China Historical and Cultural Villages—Cuandixia Village and Lingshui Village.
In recent years, Mentougou District, in line with the requirements of the Scientific Outlook on Development and based on the two major functional roles of ecological conservation and comprehensive services for the capital, has completely phased out traditional industries that do not align with these functions. It has vigorously promoted industrial restructuring and transformation of development methods, while strengthening both ecological and socioeconomic development. The district has successively earned honors such as Capital Civilized District, National Health District, National Ecological Demonstration Zone, and National Model District for Supporting the Military.
At present, Mentougou District is firmly seizing the new development opportunities presented by Beijing’s implementation of the “Humanistic Beijing, Technological Beijing, Green Beijing” action plan and the construction of a world-class city with Chinese characteristics. In accordance with the new requirements and tasks set for Mentougou by the 11th Municipal Party Congress, the district is achieving significant progress in promoting the construction of a comprehensive western service center, enhancing the function of the ecological conservation and development zone, advancing the development of the Yongding River Green Ecological Belt, upgrading infrastructure in the western region, advancing the classified development of modern characteristic small towns, raising the level of suburban economic development, fostering integrated development of culture and tourism, and strengthening the construction of a green ecological environment.
Focused on building an ecologically friendly industrial system led by tourism, culture, and leisure industries, Mentougou District will, in the future, base its development on functional positioning and resource endowments, adhere to the direction of ecology, high-end quality, and unique characteristics, and promote transformational development. It will strive to cultivate a high-end industrial system led by tourism, culture, and leisure industries. Following the spatial layout of “one belt, two routes, four points, and multiple clusters,” the new urban area will be developed into a modern riverside mountain city, the mountainous region will be transformed into a hundred-mile scenic gallery with full-area scenic development, and Mentougou District will work to become a capital-level international high-end mountain tourism and cultural resort area, as well as the most distinctive tourism and vacation destination for diverse experiences and dissemination of Chinese culture, thereby fully realizing the leapfrog development of a modern ecological new district.
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