Ski resort's summer appeal

He adds that running in the mountains has become an addiction for him.

"When you're on a trail, you really have to focus so you don't slip or fall. There are rocks, there's mud, so you really have to be present. And that brings you into the present moment. I like it. It's sort of like meditation."

The summer appeal of Chongli extends well beyond trail running. Its ski resorts have undergone a full summer upgrade across their operations.

Fulong Four Seasons Town, for instance, has repurposed its existing ski slopes into 12 professional mountain bike downhill trails, with a total course length of 27 km. Thaiwoo Ski Resort has rolled out more than 30 summer leisure offerings, including alpine grass skiing, mountain concerts, and cultural and creative markets. Genting Snow Park has modified its Winter Olympics competition slopes to open up hiking trails and study tour routes.

According to local cultural and tourism authorities, the district's tourism industry had long been constrained by a seasonal imbalance — thriving in winter but languishing in summer.

For years, ski resorts, hotels, and local businesses would shutter or idle for nearly half a year once the snow melted.

Today, however, events like the Chongli 168 Ultra Trail have shattered that cycle. In 2024, the district welcomed 8.54 million visitors throughout the year, with 4.3 million arriving in summer — marking the first time in history that summer visitation surpassed winter.

The following year, the total number of annual visitors to Chongli exceeded 10 million.

This year, the district continues to expand its event portfolio, with the Hood to Coast China relay and the 2026 FISU World University Championship Cycling held in June, and the Chongli 168 Ultra Trail in July all landing in succession.

With over 800 cultural, sports, and other activities held throughout the year, Chongli is steadily cementing its reputation as an outdoor paradise.

Contact the writer at xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn