A total of 600 hikers from 32 countries explored the beautiful forests of Harbin, in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, during the third International Snow Mountain Hike Expedition held on Dec 29, according to the organizers.

The competition was held at Harbin Xianglu Mountain National Forest Park, which belongs to the Changbai mountain range.

Hikers passed the park's main scenic spots, allowing them to fully appreciate the ancient cultural sites and picturesque natural landscape along the route, including thick primitive forests, snow-covered mountains, valleys, rivers and glaciers.

After fierce competition over three hours, Chinese participants Ji Yuliang and Wang Xueying respectively won the men’s and women’s professional groups, while Chinese athlete Yang Xinlei and South Korean competitor Lee Eun hye won the men’s and women’s amateur groups.

The competition is one of the winter tourism activities jointly sponsored by the National Sports Bureau and the Heilongjiang Provincial Government.

Compared with previous seasons, this year’s event featured record numbers of participants -- including hikers from Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, according to the organizers.

In addition, more interactive activities were introduced to entertain participants and the audiences, such as snow soccer and ice bowling.

  A participant rushes to the finish line of the third International Snow Mountain Hike Expedition, at Harbin Xianglu Mountain National Forest Park on Dec 29. [Photo/chinanews.com]
  Hikers trudge along a snow track during the third International Snow Mountain Hike Expedition at Harbin Xianglu Mountain National Forest Park on Dec 29. [Photo/chinanews.com]
  Spirits are up, as a competitor gives a salute during the third International Snow Mountain Hike Expedition at Harbin Xianglu Mountain National Forest Park on Dec 29. [Photo/chinanews.com]