Get 2017 off to an auspicious start by taking part in a hike up Songjiang district’s Sheshan Mountain on New Year's Day.
Climbing mountains on the first day of a new year is a long tradition in China, popular not only for the hangover-busting fresh air and beautiful views, but also for the good luck it is believed to bring.
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Hikers tie a red ribbon with a blessing to the trees at Sheshan Mountain on New Year's Day 2016. [Photo/sheshantravel.gov.cn] |
As well as expelling bad luck and disasters, climbing mountains is a symbol for "climbing to a higher position", and thus a good custom to observe at the start of a year.
Another reason that climbing mountains is valued in China, especially by the elderly, is that it means "climbing to a long life".
Sheshan Mountain, the highest mountain in Shanghai, is frequented by mountain climbers every New Year’s Day, and an annual climbing event on the first day of the new year has been organized every year since 2007.
Those keen to get ahead in 2017 can apply for a place on the activity online from 10 am on Dec 15. Places are limited to 5,000 people. Only people aged between 8 and 65 years old can take part.
The hike will start from the gate of Shanghai Happy Valley. Participants can jog or stroll to the East Sheshan Mountain (about 2.2 kilometers), and climb the mountain and tie the blessing silk ribbon for the new year.
Ten free shuttle buses will pick up participants from Sheshan Station on Metro Line 9 between 8:30 am to 9:45 am, and will return from the parking lot of East Sheshan Mountain to the station from 11 am to noon.
Participants driving to the event can enjoy free parking at Shanghai Happy Valley before 12:00 am with a printed parking permit, which can be downloaded after registering.
