BEIJING: A woman from southwestern China has climbed five famous mountains in five provinces in five days, earning widespread admiration on social media.
The climber, surnamed Peng, began her journey in her hometown of Guiyang, Guizhou province, on Sept 23, the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported.
She climbed Mount Hua in northwestern Shaanxi province the following day, then Mount Heng in neighbouring Shanxi province on Sept 25, Mount Tai in eastern Shandong province on Sept 26, Mount Song in central Henan province on Sept 27, and finally another Mount Heng in Hunan province on Sept 28.
The five mountains are collectively known as China’s Five Great Mountains, celebrated for their natural beauty and historical and cultural significance.
According to the report, Peng climbed during the day, then pressed on with her journey and slept on trains at night.
Peng, 27, said she came across a themed tour inviting the public to climb the five mountains in an effort to “deeply understand China”.
As a mountain-climbing enthusiast, she was drawn to the idea. She decided to take on the challenge in late September to mark her 10,000th day of life.
Peng used an app called Liang Bu Lu to record her hiking routes and check in at designated spots atop each mountain, as required by the event organiser.
At the end of her journey, she received a certificate confirming that she had climbed the Five Great Mountains.
Peng took between four and nine hours to climb each mountain, and walked as many as 39,000 steps a day.
She climbed up and down the mountains on foot, except at Mount Hua and Mount Heng in Hunan, where she climbed up on foot but took a cable car down.
The entire trip cost her 4,000 yuan (US$600), Peng said.
She said she felt exhausted after climbing the final mountain but recovered quickly after resting that evening, without experiencing muscle soreness or fatigue. By the end of the challenge, she had lost 0.5kg.
Peng admitted that she had felt uneasy before setting off because she had never hiked for so long or at such intensity.
She said she completed the challenge smoothly, partly thanks to help from strangers along the way.
“Don’t be afraid to start alone. You will meet some good-hearted fellow travellers,” Peng was quoted as saying.
She advised the public not to attempt the five-mountain challenge without careful consideration.
“You should take your own physical condition into consideration and prioritise your safety when doing outdoor activities,” Peng said.
The challenge is part of a so-called “special troop style” travel trend that has gained popularity among young people in recent years.
These physically demanding trips involve visiting many tourist attractions in a short period and on a low budget.
The story has captivated social media users in mainland China.
“She is a heroine. I admire her,” one online observer said.
“Brilliant, Little Sister. You won’t be defeated by difficulties in the future,” another remarked. - South China Morning Post
