International journalists scale Mount Tai's sporting and spiritual heights

Mount Tai, China’s first UNESCO World Heritage site for both culture and nature, stood at the center of global attention on September 6, as the 40th Mount TaiInternational Mountain Climbing Competition entered its core race day. During the "China, an Opportunity,Colorful Tai'an" 2026 International Media Tour, journalists from multiple countries gathered at the foot of Mount Tai to witness the spectacular start of over 10,000 runners, before ascending to the summit for an immersive encounter with the mountain's awe-inspiring natural beauty and its age-old cultural heritage.

The morning started with a burst of energy at the foot of the mountain, where over 10,000 runners gathered for the race start ceremony. Cultural performances and a group warm-up created an electric atmosphere, drawing exclamations of “fantastic” from visiting journalists. 

After witnessing the start and watching the throng of runners embark on their upward journey, the media group set off on their own Mount Taiexpedition.

Under clear skies and drifting clouds, they traced the ancient path, passing countless cliff-side inscriptions left by scholars and poets over centuries. Along the way, they encountered the racers still pushing upward, their determination adding a modern layer to the timeless landscape.

"This is my first time on Mount Tai," said Vietnamese journalist Pham Trung Kien. "I'd heard of it, but seeing it in person, its sheer scale and cultural depth, makes a whole different experience."

For these foreign media members, the journey was more than a scenic tour. It was a window into how China preserves its cultural essence while embracing global sporting events. From the roaring start line to the silent, inscribed cliffs, Mount Taitold a story that transcends language,and the journalists were now taking that story back to their audiences worldwide, bridging civilizations one step at a time.

(sdchina.com)