Best mountain-climbing spots for this Chongyang Festival

The ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar is a traditional Chinese festival, the Double Ninth Festival, or Chongyang Festival, which falls on Oct 17 this year.

Traditional customs of the festival include wearing dogwood, eating double ninth cake and enjoying chrysanthemum.

During the day, people also often climb mountains with cornels, a type of plant. The custom aims to dispel evils, and it originated from the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220).

Here are the recommended spots for people to climb mountains and celebrate the Chongyang Festival.

1. Daqingshan Mountain

Mountaineers are pictured at Daqingshan Mountain in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/zgbfly.gov.cn]

Daingshan Mountain, located at the northeastern area of Xincheng district in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is the biggest nature reserve in the region, covering 400,000 hectares of land.

With the recent temperature drop, the mountain is showcasing the autumn scenery. Featuring a hiking trail, the mountain also establishes resting spots for mountaineers.

2. Wusutu National Forest Park

A photo shows the scenery of Wusutu National Forest Park in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/zgbfly.gov.cn]

Wusutu National Forest Park is located near the Daqingshan Mountain, 9 kilometers away from the urban area of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The park covers a total area of 80,400 hectares, with its vegetation coverage rate reaching over 90 percent. With rich plant varieties, the park is considered as an ecological barrier for areas in upper and middle reaches of Yellow River.

As a mountain-like landform, the park attracts millions of hikers and mountain-climbing lovers.

3. Waterdrop Cliff

Water flows down from the Water Cliff in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/zgbfly.gov.cn]

Waterdrop Cliff is located at the Hadamen Forest Reserve in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Water flows down from the top of the cliff and builds up lakes at low latitudes. When heading to the top of the cliff, visitors can many streams along the journey.

4. Panlong Mountain

Panlong Mountain is pictured in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/zgbfly.gov.cn]

Panlong Mountain situates at the eastern area of Daqingshan Mountain in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, ranging 20 kilometers from east to west. The mountain has as a profound historical and culture value. According to the local government, prehistoric civilization Dayao Culture originated from this area.

Tips for climbing mountains

1. Do warm-up exercises before climbing mountains.

2. Don't forget to bring medicine for emergencies.

3. It's essential to wear proper gear for mountain climbing. Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Choose well-fitted shoes that provide ankle support, stability, and grip.

4. If you're hiking on rocky trails, use one or two walking sticks to help maintain your balance while navigating uneven terrain.