Outdoor sports season kicks off in Guangming

Hundreds of Shenzhen residents gathered at Hongqiao Park in Guangming District to kick off the 2025 outdoor sports season, embracing the spirit of adventure and community, Shenzhen Economic Daily reported. 

Participants embark on a hike that marks the beginning of the 2025 outdoor sports season at Hongqiao Park in Guangming District recently. Photos from Bao'an Daily

The event, which drew participants from across the city, set the stage for an exciting year of outdoor activities leading up to the highly anticipated 15th National Games.

The newly launched hiking route for the 2025 outdoor sports season spans 11 kilometers, commencing at Hongqiao Park with a symbolic gesture of "walking through the Red Bridge, carrying good luck."

Walking along this picturesque path, hikers can visit renowned landmarks like Hongqiao 1958 and the historic Jingkou Ancient Village, where an array of festive activities are being held, including markets showcasing intangible cultural heritage and immersive cultural experiences.

Cheerful young participants react to the camera during the hike in Guangming. 

Participants not only have the opportunity to bask in the romantic ambiance of Dadingling Greenway and the Glass Bridge but also delve into the rich tapestry of traditions at Jingkou Ancient Village, which is steeped in over 800 years of history.

They can savor classical music, relish traditional delicacies, shop for artisanal goods, and immerse themselves in the captivating allure of age-old customs.

The Chinese New Year hiking activity forms part of a comprehensive series of events lined up for the outdoor sports season in Guangming District. The district has launched six distinct hiking routes that showcase the unique charms of the district. 

Ranging from 5 to 15 kilometers in length, these routes wind through key locales such as Hongqiao Park, the idyllic Fun Farm, the engaging Science Park, and the scenic Mazhou River Greenway, catering to the varied preferences of residents. To date, the initiative has garnered enthusiastic participation from over 3,000 outdoor sports enthusiasts who have eagerly signed up online to partake in these exciting expeditions.

Guangming District will see a series of important sports events this year, including the imminent kickoff of the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup in China, featuring an inaugural match between China and Qatar during the Lantern Festival in Guangming, and the upcoming 15th National Games showcasing a medley of sporting events such as soccer, equestrian sports, and cycling.

Leveraging these major sporting events and capitalizing on its wealth of high-quality resources, the district is poised to develop a host of region-specific sports projects, fostering a synergistic relationship between sports events and urban progress.