Hiking to admire the beauty of autumn foliage, we gather again on the Mentougou National Trail. This experience activity gathered about 200 participants, including notable public figures, representatives from public environmental organizations, entrepreneurs, and outdoor sports groups. The hiking route is located along the Baoyu to Huangcaoliang section of the Mentougou National Trail, with a round trip of approximately 8 kilometers. The event aims to promote the "Leave No Trace" public welfare initiative and actively encourage the public to be responsible outdoor enthusiasts.
Hike through Western Beijing and experience the Mentougou National Trail
Relying on the ancient road network of Western Beijing and the natural and cultural resources it connects, Mentougou proposed and built the "first national trail," advocating a new concept of ecotourism through its hundreds of miles of "national trails." Within the planned "National Trail System Demonstration Area" in Mentougou District are three national-level trails, two regional-level trails, and several local-level trails, formed by the cultural heritage of the ancient commercial and trade routes of Western Beijing, the ancient military roads of the Great Wall, the Yongding River passage, the Miaofeng Mountain incense trails, and the Baihuashan-Lingshan mountain hiking trails.
In 2007, Taiwan’s Forestry Bureau introduced the "Leave No Trace" concept to Taiwan; in 2011, it was brought to mainland China by the environmental organization "Friends of Nature." Friends of Nature (Beijing Chaoyang District Friends of Nature Environmental Research Institute) was the first environmental group in China to introduce "Leave No Trace" outdoor training, aiming to help more outdoor enthusiasts understand the philosophy and practice of the "Leave No Trace" initiative.
In hiking and mountaineering activities, the most direct impact is the "trampling" effect on trails, as trampling leads to increased soil compaction, the death of ground cover plants and soil organisms, soil erosion, widened trails, exposed plant roots, and collapsed roadbeds—various forms of environmental damage. In addition, other improper outdoor behaviors also severely affect the ecological environment. For example, litter left behind by hikers, especially in alpine regions, may take decades to decompose. Carving marks on trees and damaging public facilities or historical sites are also common forms of trail harm.
Therefore, the Mentougou National Trail Experience Hike and "Leave No Trace" public welfare activity not only comprehensively promote the "Leave No Trace" philosophy but also advocate for the public to become responsible outdoor enthusiasts. The event teaches the public correct concepts and friendly techniques for interacting with the natural environment, helping to minimize the impact of outdoor activities on nature, and contributing to the long-term development of the national trail system.