On July 11, the 2026 "Zhijindong Cave Underground Secret Realm Hiking Trail" event, themed Sports Shaping Guizhou Scenery · Hiking Tours Across Guizhou – Walking atop Wumeng Mountains: Hiking in Bijie, came to a successful conclusion at Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country gathered in the hinterland of the Wumeng Mountains, measuring the hundreds-of-millions-year-old karst wonderland with their footsteps and enjoying a splendid wilderness journey through the underground world.
Two categories were available for this event: a 5-kilometer leisure group and a 10-kilometer challenge group. Both the starting and finishing points were located at the square of Zhijindong Cave Global Geopark. Balancing relaxed sightseeing and outdoor challenges, the trails catered to hikers of all ages and skill levels. The route links the spectacular cave landscapes of Zhijindong Cave with the grand scenery of Zhijin Grand Canyon, showcasing the core landscapes of the Global Geopark in full view.
Hikers wandered through the underground palace, encountering world-class karst wonders such as the Overlord Helmet and Silver Rain Tree along the way. Diverse stalactites and stalagmites record the geological evolution spanning hundreds of millions of years. Strolling along the canyon trails, visitors are surrounded by towering precipices and winding clear waters, with magnificent mountain and river scenery unfolding at every turn. The immersive crossing featuring dual landforms of caves and canyons left every participant amazed by nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship.
Comprehensive services including water supply stations, medical rescue teams and security personnel were arranged along the entire route to safeguard all hikers. Multiple distinctive photo check-in spots were set up, allowing visitors to capture stunning shots of the secret underground landscape effortlessly.
Adhering to the core concept of "pure experience, no competition", the event downplayed competitive elements and focused on the joy of outdoor exploration and in-depth appreciation of nature. It also promoted the "Leave No Trace" hiking principle, guiding participants to consciously protect geological relics and preserve the original ecological environment of karst landforms.
As a key route to apply for the national high-quality hiking trail certification in 2027, the "Zhijindong Cave Underground Secret Realm Crossing Trail" features the integrated development of hiking, cave sightseeing, canyon tourism and cultural tourism, serving as a core landmark for Bijie to build a classic mountain tourism IP.
The successful holding of this event further advanced the in-depth integration of cultural, sports and tourism industries, boosted Bijie’s reputation as a premier hiking destination, and invited more people to explore Zhijin, understand karst landforms and fall in love with the landscapes of the Wumeng Mountains.
Hidden wonders lie beneath the earth, and legendary encounters await every hiker. The age-old spectacular scenery and cool summer climate of Zhijin Cave welcome visitors from all over the world to embark on a wonderful wilderness adventure.
