The climbing competition of the 40th Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival starts today.

As the festival's original and main event since 1987, this year's competition features 3,500 participants from 28 provinces and regions across China, plus athletes from Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

The Taishan Mountain national fitness hiking event, another highlight of the annual international climbing festival, attracted 9,500 participants, with 72 percent of registered runners coming from outside Shandong — reflecting the race's strong nationwide appeal and influence.

The race route follows the historic Hongmen entrance to the summit, with finish lines set at Zhongtianmen, Nantianmen, and Jade Emperor Peak.

Beyond the race, the event is also a celebration of the event's 40th anniversary, with the city-wide festival blending sports, culture, and tourism. It features concerts, cultural seminars, outdoor carnivals, and a series of special offers for visitors. As the mountain has stood for millennia, the event marks another milestone in the enduring bond between Taishan Mountain and the world.