The ninth day of the ninth month according to Chinese Lunar Calendar is the Double Ninth Festival, during which Guangzhou citizens climb mountains with friends, take a stroll around parks, appreciate the beauty of chrysanthemum, drink chrysanthemum wine and eat cakes. Climbing mountains on the Double Ninth Festival is a time-honored tradition of Guangzhou locals.
Chinese ancestors believed that the overlap of two Yangs (the number nine is believed to represent Yang) signified auspices. In Guangzhou, the Double Ninth Festival is one of extreme importance as people climb to the top of mountains to seek auspices. Traditionally, activities during the festival include mountain climbing, tomb sweeping and kite flying. After the 1970s, mountain climbing became the main form of celebration of the festival, while tomb sweeping and kite flying gradual took a back seat. When the festival descends, people go out with their family members to take in the beauty of Baiyun Mountain, Yuexiu Mountain and other famous mountains. Many young people even climb mountains at mid-night. With food and tents well prepared, they sleep on mountain tops to watch sunrise.
Guangzhou is home to many mountains, most notably Baiyun Mountain (the most popular), Yuexiu Mountain (hidden in the bustling city center), Lotus Mountain (with a combination of natural primitivity and modern beauty), Maofeng Mountain (featuring steep hills and deep valleys). All of these mountains are prime choices for seeking auspices.
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