Annual hike to refresh the upcoming weekend

A father brings her daughter to the hike and one of the aims of the event is certainly to spread the joy and passion of outdoor activity. [Photo provided to China Daily]

While the marathon earlier in March appealed to high-octane sport junkies, the hike two days away that skirts the perimeter of one of the region's most famed attractions offers something slightly more down tempo and relaxing to fans of the outdoors.

The Wuxi Taihu Lake Hike has been held for six consecutive years and across that time an estimated 60,000 people have hiked the beautiful route around Taihu Lake.

To advocate environmental protection, participants who return their bottles at the end of the race to be recycled will receive an additional souvenir this year.

Another highlight of this year's event is that cyber-celebrities are encouraged to take part in the hike and live-stream the day. If you are a popular live streaming host with a number of online fans, the event organizers encourage you to get in touch and enter the chance to win direct event qualification, special equipment, and other goodies.

The hiking event is co-organized by the city's publicity department, office for online affairs, sports bureau, and Wuxi Internet Association. The event's title sponsor is Postal Savings Bank of China but has other major sponsors such as China Life Insurance Wuxi branch and Red Bull.

Participants walk past one of Wuxi’s landmark scenic spots on last year's hike around Lihu Lake. [Photo provided to China Daily]