Chongqing - The unique terrain of Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan District, which “spans the boundary between north and south,” provides excellent conditions for the development of mountain sports. In recent years, Nanchuan has actively developed and cultivated mountain sports projects, relying on the rich mountain resources of Jinfo Mountain. It has established various activities such as hiking, via ferrata, skiing, paragliding, canyoneering, and camping, gradually becoming a “paradise” for adventurers.

"We are planning a network of sports paths including hiking trails, cycling routes, and off-road driving paths, and we have launched over 20 mountain outdoor sports projects such as paragliding," said Hu Guangmo, Deputy District Mayor of Nanchuan, at an industrial upgrade press conference held on September 25.

The city view of Nanchuan District. (Photo/Zhao Zhi)

Mountain sports revitalizing the sports industry

Jinfo Mountain is renowned for its majestic, unique, and steep features. It showcases various geological wonders like canyons, cliffs, lakes, and caves, making it a natural haven for mountain sports. Following a series of water management measures, including river channel improvements and pollution control projects, Jinsan Lake now boasts serene water quality, resembling a slowly unfurling landscape painting amid karst lava formations on both banks.

The stunning natural scenery of Jinsan Lake. (Photo/Nanchuan District)

The stunning landscapes of Jinfo Mountain and Jinsan Lake and their healthy ecology have attracted investment from private capital. Chongqing Aoyue Ice and Snow Tourism Development Co., Ltd. is among the companies involved. Aoyue has established various sports projects via ferrata, paragliding, canyoneering, and a ski resort by Jinsan Lake. The via ferrata project alone attracts over 15,000 visitors annually, generating up to 2 million in revenue. A representative from Aoyue stated, "Jinfo Mountain has spectacular karst landforms that are ideal for developing high-altitude and water sports."

Integrating sports and tourism for diverse development

Canyoneering, cave exploration, waterfall rappelling, mountain driving, and hiking—Jinfo Mountain has developed a series of outdoor mountain projects from the foot of the mountain to its peak, thanks to its unique natural scenery.

Today, Jinfo Mountain not only continuously innovates in recreational activities but also hosts numerous sports events. In recent years, Nanchuan has actively introduced a series of important events, such as the "China Fitness Famous Mountain - Jinfo Mountain Climbing Competition," which was successfully held nine times and has attracted many climbing enthusiasts and tourists. Additionally, the "Jinfo Mountain LifeLine International Rope Rescue Invitation Competition" has permanently settled in Jinfo Mountain, promoting the integration of public fitness and mountain sports and continuously enhancing the international influence of mountain sports in Nanchuan.

The sustainable development of the sports industry relies not only on the investment and establishment of related sports projects but also requires deepening the integration of sports and tourism. Nanchuan is developing influential outdoor leisure projects, such as skiing at Jinfo Mountain, rafting at Shenlong Gorge, and camping at Jinsan Lake, exploring the model of sports and tourism while promoting the diversified development of mountain sports. This injects new vitality into the development of the sports industry and the rural revitalization of Nanchuan. Meanwhile, the Jinfo Mountain International Mountain Outdoor Sports Park is taking shape, further enhancing the appeal of mountain outdoor sports and accelerating the integrated development of sports and tourism.