The 2026 International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Kicks Off in Guizhou

XINGYI, China, Nov. 10, 2026 — The opening ceremony of the 2026 International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports was held on Nov. 9 in Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China. Nearly 400 guests, including representatives of international organizations, tourism authorities, diplomatic missions, tourism businesses and mountain destination management agencies, as well as industry experts, scholars and media professionals, gathered to explore new opportunities for mountain tourism and pathways to integrate outdoor sports with the cultural and tourism industries.

Themed "Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports Presents a High-Quality - Breathe Deep in the Mountains, a Slow Living Sojourn," this year's conference features forums on outdoor sports, wellness tourism and mountain living, alongside the council meeting and annual conference of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance.

A range of accompanying activities will also showcase the appeal of mountain tourism, from the Guizhou Village Dance performance to a 10,000-person hiking event in Wanfenglin Scenic Area. Participants can also experience various activities and explore exhibitions featuring photographs of renowned mountains and a retrospective of the conference's first decade.

Now in its 10th edition, the conference, China's only national-level international event dedicated to mountain tourism, has become a key platform for international exchange and cooperation. Over the past decade, it has witnessed not only the growing international profile of Guizhou's mountain tourism brand, but also a fundamental shift in how mountain resources are developed and integrated into the wider economy.

Covering 92.5 percent of its land area with mountains and hills, Guizhou is naturally endowed with the title of Heaven of Myriad Mountains. Home to four UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, the province's distinctive karst landscapes offer an extraordinary variety of natural scenery, from dramatic peaks to deep canyons and vast cave systems. These landscapes provide ideal natural settings for a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, rock climbing, rafting and cave exploration.

Building on these advantages, Guizhou is developing camping, cycling and canyon-based sports, bringing mountain resources closer to the public and inspiring greater participation in outdoor activities. By combining its natural landscapes with outdoor recreation, the province is turning its ecological assets into new drivers of economic development.

Beyond its natural beauty, Guizhou's rich and distinctive ethnic cultures give its tourism offerings a vibrant identity. Local traditions, customs and ways of life add cultural depth to the mountain experience, allowing visitors to discover not only the region's breathtaking landscapes but also the diverse cultures and communities that make Guizhou unique.

Through the integration of ecological resources, outdoor sports and cultural tourism, Guizhou is exploring sustainable ways to turn the advantages of lucid waters and lush mountains into lasting development.

Today, Guizhou's mountains are much more than geographical features. They are world-class playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts, gateways to distinctive cultural experiences and peaceful retreats for those seeking a slower pace of life. By turning its natural and cultural wealth into opportunities for sustainable growth, Guizhou is making its mountains both a destination to explore and a place to call home.

SOURCE Discover Guizhou