At over 4,900 meters above sea level, deep among the snow-capped peaks of Cuomei County in Shannan City, lies Gurula Cuo, a heart-shaped alpine lake of almost otherworldly beauty in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.

As hiking has become popular among young Chinese seeking to reconnect with nature, the local government organized a trekking race at Gurula Cuo on June 20, further establishing Xizang as a premier destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel.