Tianmenshan hosts global parkour race

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world. [Photo by Zhou Guoqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world.

Competitors need to complete by jumping down a nearly 300-meter-long slope with a 150-meter vertical drop from the top of the 999-step staircase, which leads to the iconic Tianmen Cave.

More than 100 sets of obstacles have been placed along the routes, and the contestants need to maintain their balance while also performing at quick speeds. Whoever reaches the destination quickest is crowned the winner.

There is also a separate race held to judge the contestants' parkour skills, where they are given scores by a panel of judges on how well they can perform a parkour routine, which often includes kong vault, lache, palm spin, side flips and the wall run.

It is the third time the competition is being held at the Tianmenshan Scenic Area. The unique terrain makes the competition more challenging and breathtakingly exciting.

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world. [Photo by Zhou Guoqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world. [Photo by Zhou Guoqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world. [Photo by Zhou Guoqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world. [Photo by Zhou Guoqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 70 parkour athletes from home and abroad gathered at Tianmenshan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province over the weekend to challenge one of the most difficult parkour routes in the world. [Photo by Zhou Guoqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]