Two competitors traverse the 2.5-centimeter-wide slackline. [Photo/Tide News]

"From high above, the verdant mountains and swirling mist create breathtaking landscapes that urban arenas can never offer," said Li Liangpeng, who recently clinched the championship at the 2026 Jianglang Mountain Highline Exhibition Match.

The competition, held during the New Year's Day holiday from Jan 1 to 3 at Jianglang Mountain in Jiangshan, a county-level city in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, was a highlight of the 2026 National New Year Climbing and Fitness Conference, a signature New Year celebration that promotes nationwide fitness.

Li, hailing from Shanghai, completed the 300-meter highline speed challenge in 3 min and 37 sec, standing out from domestic and international competitors. Dressed in professional quick-dry attire and secured by dual safety ropes, Li traversed the 2.5-centimeter-wide slackline barefoot, suspended between the mountain cliffs.

Slacklining involves walking on a tensioned line fixed between two anchor points, requiring balance and skill to perform various tricks.

Li noted the unique challenges of the 300-meter course, which was significantly longer than the typical 50-100 meters, and its 200-meter elevation drop, which tested participants' endurance, balance, and mental strength to the fullest.

Since starting slacklining in 2022, Li has rapidly ascended to the top ranks in China. His achievements in 2025 included securing third place in the Speed Highline World Cup in Paris. He also tackled extreme long-distance highlines in Zhejiang's Taizhou and Hunan province's Zhangjiajie, with courses of 1,000 meters and 1,600 meters, respectively.