The 24th Dalian International Walking Festival Opens

(SeaPRwire) –   Organizing Committee of the 24th Dalian International Walking Festival

DALIAN, China, May 20, 2026 — The 24th Dalian International Walking Festival commenced as planned on May 16, operating under the theme “Peace, Health, Exchange – Dalian: Where Heartbeats Sync with the Waves”. Li Qiang, Mayor of Dalian and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Dalian Municipal Committee, officially inaugurated the event. He then joined other VIPs on the stage to fire the starting pistol, allowing walking enthusiasts from China and across the globe to partake in this low-carbon, eco-friendly, fashionable, and healthy sports event.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

On behalf of the IML Walking Association and its member nations, Pan-Pacific Regional Vice President Jamie Stewart extended congratulations through a letter marking the opening of the 24th Dalian International Walking Festival. Stewart highlighted in his message that the routes along Dalian’s scenic Binhai Road provide a fantastic chance for visitors to enjoy the city’s deep cultural roots as well as its breathtaking coastal and mountain landscapes. He also invited walkers globally to discover Dalian’s unique allure and energy for themselves.

When the starting pistol fired, over 100,000 walking enthusiasts from China and abroad assembled at the primary and auxiliary venues, injecting energy into the city with their passion. Participants at the main site departed from Xinghai Bay and traveled down the scenic Binhai Road. Their routes, covering distances of 5, 20, or 30 kilometers, took them past famous landmarks including Fujiazhuang Park, Yanwoling Scenic Spot, the North Bridge, Laohutan Ocean Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Shicao, Bangchui Island Scenic Spot, Haizhiyun Park, and Shibapan.

This year’s gathering utilized a city-wide structure defined as “one main venue coordinated with nine branch venues”. Alongside the primary site at Xinghai Bay, auxiliary locations were established in Ganjingzi District, Lüshunkou District, Pulandian District, Wafangdian City, Zhuanghe City, Changhai County, High-Tech Zone, Changxing Island Economic Zone, and Jinshitan National Tourist Resort. Throughout the two-day festival, it is anticipated that over 300,000 walkers from domestic and international locations will congregate in this coastal hub, experiencing the romance and vigor of this “city of mountains and seas” with every stride.

Dalian holds the distinction of being the first Chinese city to join the IML Walking Association. With support from the municipal Party committee and government, the Dalian International Walking Festival has been held for 23 consecutive years, attracting a combined total of over 4.3 million participants. Consequently, the IML Walking Association has recognized the event as “the world’s most influential walking festival”.

Source: Organizing Committee of the 24th Dalian International Walking Festival

CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Liu, Tel: 86-10-63074558