The "Top Ten Hikers in China" selection campaign is back in full swing

       To honor exemplary individuals who have made outstanding contributions and touching achievements in the development of hiking in China, to promote the "hiking spirit" embodied through walking, to feel the power of "hiking" by listening to the stories of "walkers," and to guide changes in lifestyle and values among the public by leading with exemplary hikers. Against the backdrop of the approaching era of leisure, the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV), the International Marching League (IML), and the People's Government of Zhaoqing City will jointly host the "4th China Top Ten Hikers Selection" on October 21, 2012, in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province.
       The only award and selection event in the hiking field in China
       The China Top Ten Hikers Selection, initiated by the China Headquarters of the International Federation of Popular Sports and China Hiking Network, has been successfully held for three editions and is the only award and selection event in the hiking field in China. Since its inception, it has received attention and recognition from all sectors of society. Cui Yongyuan, who retraced the Long March and revisited history, hiker Lei Diansheng, who traveled across thousands of mountains and rivers and visited every corner of China, and "Touching China" mother Chen Yurong, known for her long-distance walking, have all been selected. The State Council has issued the Outline of the National Fitness Program for the next five years, and hiking—being simple, accessible, and beneficial for both physical and mental health—is the best way to promote national fitness through the influence of hiking role models. More importantly, in recent years, more and more outstanding hikers have emerged, and we hope to select typical figures among them to set an example for the outdoor hiking community and even the entire nation, thereby promoting the healthy development of hiking.
       Chen Kun and the "Over-60 Backpackers" to lead the "4th China Top Ten Hikers" selection
       In 2012, Chen Kun and the "Over-60 Backpackers" will lead the "4th China Top Ten Hikers" selection, recognizing advanced individuals who embody the "hiking spirit" in areas such as youth education, compassion and inspiration, challenging limits, environmental protection, cultural ambassadorship, healthy living, fashionable lifestyle, peace and patriotism, charitable causes, and scientific innovation. The event will present 10 individual awards and 1 group award, with the specific selection criteria as follows:

       I: Individual Hiker Awards (10 winners)

       Youth Education: Young role models who strengthen their bodies, cultivate sentiment, broaden their horizons, explore knowledge, and experience the best physical and mental education through hiking.

       Compassion and Inspiration: Recognizing hikers with deeply moving stories, commendable hiking spirit, broad and loving hearts, and the noble quality of caring for, respecting, including, and saving all of humanity through hiking.

       Challenging Limits: Pioneers who, with firm belief, extraordinary courage, and exceptional wisdom, challenge themselves, break through limits, realize self-worth, and reach the highest realm of life.

       Environmental Protection: Honoring those who lead by example in hiking, advocate green travel, promote environmental awareness, care for ecological environments, and live in harmony with nature as guardians of Earth.

       Cultural Ambassador: Those who discover and protect historical and cultural heritage during hiking, spread the excellent ideas and cultures of various ethnic groups, promote international cultural exchange and cooperation, and pursue faith and promote the "hiking spirit" through hiking.

       Healthy Living: Individuals who overcome illness through hiking, promote health knowledge via walking, improve quality of life through hiking, and achieve both physical and mental well-being.

       Fashionable Lifestyle: Those who embrace hiking as a fashion element and closely link "fashion" with everyday lifestyles, advocating attitudes of returning to simplicity, freedom, liberation, and individuality.

       Peace and Patriotism: Those who, through hiking across the beautiful landscapes of the motherland, honor the great achievements of revolutionary predecessors, enhance the self-esteem, confidence, and pride of the Chinese nation, and promote ethnic and international communication, safeguarding national unity and world peace through hiking.

       Charitable Causes: Those who dedicate love and care for vulnerable groups, support philanthropic efforts, and give back to society through participation in or organization of hiking activities.

       Scientific Innovation: Those who demonstrate strong perseverance in hiking-related scientific research, promote hiking knowledge, and spread the hiking philosophy, using innovative thinking to understand, develop, and promote the sustainable growth of hiking.

       Recognizing hiking groups that demonstrate selflessness and mutual assistance, promote team spirit, enhance group cohesion, regularly organize hiking activities, and generate significant social impact.
       Uncover their hiking life stories—visit the China Hiking Network to vote for your favorite hiker
       What drives hikers to carry their packs, overcome obstacles, and walk through mountains and deserts? What makes them take risks time and again, willing to endure loneliness and solitude? What motivates them to engage in charity or devote themselves to environmentalism during tough journeys? To outsiders, they may seem shrouded in mystery; but to themselves, it’s just a path—a journey in life...