Annual mountain climbing festival begins in Faku

The annual Baerhu Mountain Climbing Festival opened to the public in Faku county, Liaoning province, June 12, providing tourists with a great chance to enjoy climbing activities while exploring history and culture dating back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). Sponsored by Shenyang tourism commission and Faku county government, the festival will run until October.

A mountain climbing competition also held June 12 saw local residents and tourists alike competing for medals.

A sponsor called the event a good opportunity to showcase the scenery and culture of Faku, further driving local tourism development.

At the junction of the Northeast China Plain and Mongolian Plateau, the Baerhu Mountain area covers 120 square kilometers and features 99 peaks. Its highest peak is also the highest in Shenyang city, and was once an important vantage point for people entering the Horqin Grasslands.

Baerhu Mountain is also home to descendants of the Liao Dynasty's Empress-Dowager Xiao Zhuo.

Climbers approach the peak of Baerhu Mountain during a competition held in Faku county, Shenyang, Liaoning province, June 12. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Mountain climbers wave  as they approach the peak of Baerhu Mountain during a climbing competition in Kafu county, Shenyang, Liaoning province on June 12. [Photo/Chinanews.com]