The launch ceremony of the 2016 International Mount Tai Climbing Festival and the International Mount Tai Climbing Competition, was held on Sept 6 in Tai'an, East China's Shandong province, marking the 30th anniversary of the annual event in the city.

The launch ceremony of the 2016 International Mount Tai Climbing Competition is held on Sept 6 in Tai'an, East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A total of 3,119 domestic and foreign athletes competed in the mountain climbing contest, among which 2,756 were Chinese participants from 28 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, and the remaining 363 were from 18 countries and regions. Some 10,000 fitness enthusiasts also took part in the event.

First hosted in September 1987, and usually held in the middle of the month during the cool autumn weather, the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It has since become a large-scale tourist event, and is very popular throughout China.

Various other activities will also take place including mountain biking, economic forums, and art and cultural exhibitions.

The start of the 30th International Mount Tai Climbing Competition on Sept 6, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The top three athletes in the men's international group of the 30th International Mount Tai Climbing Competition stand on the podium. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]