5,000 climb Sheshan Hill to greet first dawn of New Year
Print Edition
It is a tradition for many in Shanghai to climb the Sheshan Hill in Songjiang District on the first day of New Year. The hiking rally, the 10th this year, drew 5,000 participants.
They set off from the Shanghai Happy Valley at the sound of a starting gun, ran 2.2 kilometers around Songjiang New Town, and climbed the Sheshan Hill, the highest elevation in Shanghai, to greet the first rays of the sun in 2016.
“Mountain climbing is a battle between man and nature. It tests the climber’s strength, stamina and will,” said Huang Chong, deputy Party secretary of Songjiang District.
“It’s like overcoming difficulties in our life. Reaching the pinnacle is our biggest reward. While you make the ascent, don’t forget to enjoy the views on the way up,” Huang said.
The climbers split into two teams after reaching the 360-step terrace. One team chose to climb straight up to the hilltop observatory; the other team decided to meander their way up through woods and enjoy some fresh air.
Once they reached the top, some climbers wrote their names on a signature wall or left their New Year wishes on sticker boards. They also tied red ribbons around a few ancient trees for blessing.
Songjiang resident Ke Hua and his family never missed the climbing event on New Year’s Day in the past 10 years. He had a photo album showing the family’s New Year ritual over the years. “It’s been a family’s tradition to climb the Sheshan Hill for a good start in the New Year,” Ke said.
Since 2007, the climbing event has attracted an increasing number of participants from all over Shanghai and other parts of the country.
When online registration kicked off last month, the 5,000 slots were snatched up in 62 minutes.
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