Hikers pound pavement over May Day holiday

Thousands of keen walkers and active people took part in the Footprints along the Tropic of Cancer hiking event held in Guangzhou's Huadu district on April 29.

The activity was sponsored by Huadu district bureau of commerce as well as its culture, radio, film and television press and publication bureau.

Organizer Huadu district Tourism Association said that hikers as young as five and as old as 77 took part in the event.

Thousands of hikers hit the road in Huadu district, Guangzhou, from April 29 to May 1. [Photo/Southcn.com]

Participants were able to choose from five routes ranging from 10 to 33 kilometers in length, all setting off from the Guangming building at Furong Tourism Resort, and finishing at Hongshan village square.

Hikers took in the gorgeous views at Tiantan Park, Butterfly Valley, and Fuyuan Reservoir, as they walked their routes, all of which wove in and out along the Tropic of Cancer.

The event, falling on the three-day May Day holiday, was well-attended by families. When asked whether he would reach the 18-km finish line, one boy replied, "Yes I can!"

Hikers soak up the gorgeous natural scenery while walking across Guangzhou's Huadu district. The organizer has designed five routes ranging from 10 kilometers to 33 kilometers. [Photo/Southcn.com]

During the event, those taking part in the hiking could also experience camping or attend a musical festival.

Sports and exercise have formed a strong part of the district government's tourism strategy in recent years, boosting tourism revenue and attracting more people to the district.

More than 10 million people visited Huadu district in 2016, according to official figures, up 7.12 percent year-on-year. The district's tourism revenue grew by 8.37 percent, bringing in 6.01 billion yuan ($87.15 million) in 2016.