The 38th Mount Tai International Climbing Competition and the 29th National Fitness Mount Tai Hiking Activity kicked off at the foot of Mount Tai, a renowned attraction in Tai'an, Shandong province, on Sept 6, attracting nearly 10,000 participants from home and abroad.

Sun Xiaohui from Shandong province claimed victory in the women's youth group, crossing the finish line in a time of one hour, 15 minutes and 19 seconds. In the men's youth group, Li Zicheng, the current record holder for the climbing competition, secured the championship with a time of 59 minutes and 45 seconds.

The competition featured three categories – the senior group, the middle-aged group, and the youth group, with participants ranging in age from 18 to 65 years old. Competitors in the youth group completed an 8.6-kilometer course, finishing at Yuhuangding, Mount Tai's highest peak.

The climbing competition is an important part of the 38th Mount Tai International Mountain Climbing Festival, which was launched in 1987 and has developed into an important event promoting Mount Tai's cultural and natural splendors as well as bolstering the reputation of Tai'an.

Participants set off during the 38th Mount Tai International Climbing Competition and the 29th National Fitness Mount Tai Hiking Activity at the foot of Mount Tai in Tai'an, Shandong province, on Sept 6. [Photo by Si Gang/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Zicheng (middle) wins the first place in the men's youth group during the 38th Mount Tai International Climbing Competition. [Photo by Chen Yang/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The award ceremony for the men's youth group during the 38th Mount Tai International Climbing Competition. [Photo by Chen Yang/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]