Sports plus tourism: A different experience in Yunnan
Rock climbing at Mt. Laojun
“Thanks to the Feilada rock climbing project, the Laojun Mountain has gained popularity among outdoor sports lovers.” Liu Guowu, person in charge of the Liming scenic area, Mt. Laojun, said with excitement. Located in Liming Township of Yulong County, Lijiang City, the scenic area features the widespread Danxia landform, as well as multi-colored massif of grandeur.
Using its advantageous geology, the scenic area built up the Feilada rock-climbing project. The word Feilada is a transliteration from the Italian language, meaning rail-type rock climbing. The trail for climbing consists of horizontal ladders with iron handrails, fixed ropes, rock plugs and treading mats, which allows common folks to experience rock climbing. “In the activity, visitors overcame their own fears, while admiring the pure ecology and natural beauty of Lijiang,” Liu said.
“This is my first Feilada, so I’m thrilled. The Danxia landform presents me a good view at the mountain foot and a better one at the mountain waist.” Li Ya, a tourist, said with excitement. At first, Li could not climb the rocks, but the trainer helped him learn fast.
As the Feilada project thrives, the tourist campsite at the foot of Mt. Laojun is get busier. “The site has been visited by many during the trial operation at present. Rock climbing and drive-tour camps enriched the business modes in the scenic area,” said Liu.
Skiing and skating at Mt. Dahaicao
As a province in southwest China, Yunnan is generally mild in climate, but it doesn’t lack sites for skiing and skating. The Dahaicao mountain scenic area sits in the southeast of Dahaicao Township of Qujing’s Huize County, belonging to the major peak of the Wumeng Mountains. With its elevation varying from 2,570 to 4,017 meters, the area has gentle slopes with immensity.
Following heavy snowfalls in winter, the mountains present a spectacular snowscape, with the skiing and skating events in full swing at the Dahaicao international resort.
Based on business operations in the past three winters, the resort was upgraded in 2020 to improve tourist experiences. The skiing field now has opened three tracks for beginners, stretching 150 meters, 220 meters and 260 meters respectively. All participants have fun here, be it a skiing beginner or a fan of the event.
Also, the snowy Dahaicao resort has built up swings, a parent-child area, a snowfield for football, a bridge of online celebrities, and a single-board park, greatly diversifying the merry-making activities. “Putting together culture and tourism, we have over 60 coaches teaching tourists and skiing lovers, the beginners in particular. In the future, we’ll hold more events for Yunnan skiing lovers to meet and communicate,” said Chen Zhao, deputy general-manager of the Huize Wumeng skiing tourist company.
Next, the Dahaicao scenic area will step up skiing training in a bid to popularize the sport in Yunnan. It will build up the biggest recreation area for snow fun, so that more people can have a good time in winter. A distinct snow town will be created under the theme of “skiing and hot spring.”
Reporting by Duan Jianxin, Li Hengqiang and Liu Ziyu; Online photos; Trans-editing by Wang Shixue