Natural beauty and clean air rule for hikers at mountain festival

Want to get away from Beijing's traditional tourist attractions and do something different? Then why not try the Beijing International Mountain Walking Festival, an increasingly popular choice among those who like to take a break from the frenzied pace of big-city life.

"If they have visited all the famous places like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, I suggest they walk with the natives here. It's real fun," said 33-year-old Polish engineer Pawel Kaczmarczyk.

The festival consists of seven events held over the summer and autumn in the western district of Mentougou.