Chongqing - This year's Chinese National Day celebrations added excitement to Jindao Canyon in Beibei, Chongqing, with the 2024 International Adventure Mountain Carnival kickoff. British adventurer Ed Stafford and Chinese explorer Zhu Weiqiang launched the event, attracting an enthusiastic crowd.
Excitement buzzed through the canyon as Stafford and Zhu took to the stage, greeted by cheers and applause. Fans eagerly lined up for photos with the explorers, hoping to glimpse the adventure ahead. The carnival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Jindao Canyon's cliffs and crystal-clear waters, promised an unforgettable experience for participants of all ages.
The opening ceremony of Ed Stafford Adventurers Program (Photo/Yingzhu Chen)
One of the event's highlights was the Ed Stafford Adventurers Program, which focused on teaching essential wilderness survival skills to young adventurers. Expert instructors led the children through the fundamentals of outdoor survival, including fire-starting techniques, building shelters, and administering first aid in the wild. These hands-on activities imparted crucial survival knowledge and fostered teamwork and problem-solving skills.
One of the most thrilling parts of the camp was the infamous "insect-eating challenge," where young adventurers were encouraged to push past their comfort zones. With unwavering determination, they bravely stepped up to eat edible insects, showcasing their resilience and courage in the face of fear.
Ed Stafford taking a selfie with kids and instructors (Photo/Yingzhu Chen)
Speaking about the camp's mission, Ed Stafford emphasized the broader goal behind these activities: "It's not really about preparing kids for doomsday or catastrophe...Far too many of our young people are spending time on phones and video games. It's wholesome to get outdoors and to challenge yourself. The more the kids push themselves outside their comfort zone, the more they learn and grow. So the aim of the whole program is actually preparing people for life."
Ed Stafford taking an interview (Photo/Yingzhu Chen)
The atmosphere throughout the day was electric, with children and families immersed in a series of challenges and outdoor learning experiences. The event not only offered a fun and educational adventure but also reinforced the importance of reconnecting with nature in an increasingly digital world.
As the sun set over the canyon, participants left with newfound confidence and skills, ready to take on whatever challenges life might bring. Ed Stafford's presence, coupled with the beauty of the Jindao Canyon, made this National Day celebration memorable, showcasing the potential for adventure and learning in China's great outdoors.