The 35th International Mount Tai Climbing Festival opened at Daimiao Square in Tai'an, Shandong province on Sept 6.

Nearly 1,000 people aged 18 to 45 took part in the event.

The contestants set off from the north gate of Dai Temple, at the foot of Mount Tai.

The finish line for men was located at Nantian Gate. Participants had to climb 8.1 kilometers, or about 5,695 steps, to reach the destination.

The distance for the women's race, which finished at Zhongtian Gate, was 5.4 kilometers, or 2,399 steps.

Founded in 1987, the International Mount Tai Climbing Festival is a large tourist event integrating sports, culture, tourism, and trade.

The 35th International Mount Tai Climbing Festival opens at Daimiao Square in Tai'an, Shandong province on Sept 6. [Photo/iqilu.com]

The opening ceremony of the event is held on Mount Tai on Sept 6. [Photo/iqilu.com]