Pingtan, China's second international tourism island after Hainan, lies off the coast of Fujian Province, renowned for its breathtaking coastal landscapes. The 15th Pingtan Hiking Event launched on December 13, 2025, attracting over 2,000 hiking enthusiasts of all ages who set off at dawn to tackle a 27-kilometer loop connecting coastlines, sandy beaches, villages and mountain paths.

What started as a modest hike among friends in 2008 has grown into a major public welfare event over 15 years. While a local hiking team remains the driving force, the event is organized in collaboration with a local charity focused on educational support and anti-poverty work. Its expansion is fueled by support from a network of co-organizers, local businesses, and cultural institutions.

The meticulously curated route offers a rich visual feast, encompassing diverse landscapes—from open beach boardwalks and tranquil ancient paths to vibrant instagrammable fishing villages and ridge viewpoints commanding panoramic views of the island. Hikers first traversed Yupan Beach, with rolling white waves on one side and lush windbreak forests on the other, passing through distinctive local abalone farms and "blue tear" observation spots before arriving at Liushui Wharf, where the grand scenery of the gulf stretches out. The route then continued through the ancient Beigang Village and concluded with the most challenging yet rewarding segment: Junshan Ancient Path. 

"The route this year strikes a perfect balance between challenge and relaxation," stated Ye Yun, volunteer leader who has participated in organizing the event for four consecutive years. "Especially after climbing Mount Junshan, you can see the blue bays and clusters of stone houses below. The joy of achievement after the ascent is unparalleled to walking on flat ground." Guo Guoyao, the event coordinator, emphasized that the intensity is accessible to ordinary people. "We encourage more to join with an experiential mindset, to appreciate the scenery and make new friends along the way," he said. Participants ranged from young children pushed in strollers by their parents to seniors in their 70s, with most finishing the journey in 5 to 8 hours. 

Over the past 15 years, the event has stayed true to it mission of environmental protection and public welfare. "It's heartwarming that every year, people take the initiative to ask when the event will be held—this shows it has become something many eagerly anticipate," Guo reflected. Ye shared the core motivation for sustaining the event: "We hope to better advocate environmental protection through hiking, fostering a deep-rooted sense of environmental awareness among people."

Lu Fangxiang, one of the participants, reflected on her experience: "Life is not about hurrying to the destination, but about savoring the journey. When standing on the high ground, seeing the winding path we took and the sparkling sea in the distance, all tiredness fades away, replaced by a strong sense of accomplishment. I once thought I couldn't complete the entire route, but later realized that the real obstacle is not the mountain's height or the road's length, but the mental barrier we impose on ourselves."

As the sun set, the hikers gradually dispersed, with the spirit of public welfare and environmental protection embedded in Pingtan's beaches, mountain roads and village lanes.