Contestants of different ages undauntedly climbed through some 6,600 stone steps up to the peak 1,545 meters above sea level.   Chinanews, Jinan, Sept. 10 – The 2006 Taishan Mountain Climbing Contest was held in Tai'an, Shandong Province on Sept. 7, 2006. More than 2,000 people from 18 countries and China's 21 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities participated in this year's competition.

 

At the signal, the participants started off from the Archway of the Mountain God (Daizong Fang) at the foot of Taishan Mountain. Contestants of different ages undauntedly climbed through some 6,600 stone steps up to the peak 1,545 meters above sea level.

 

Cheng Tao, a Chinese contestant, reached the peak in 58 minutes and 42 seconds, while young adults usually need three hours to finish this exhausted trip.

 

The Taishan Mountain Climbing Contest has become an international event held every year since 1987.

 

Jia Xueying, mayor of Tai'an city, said that Taishan Mountain has recently been listed as a world cultural and natural heritage site, and Tai'an people have indicated that they would try their best to protect this national treasure.