Dozens of pole-wielding grass skiers will descend upon Chongming Island off the coast of Shanghai to compete in one of the only grass skiing competitions in China.

The event coincides with the Chongming Tourist Festival (September 26th and 27th) which will feature a variety of events from rock climbing competitions to orientation quests. Trained grass skiers will be unleashed on a small hillock within Dongping National Park where the tournament will take place. Participants will be judged on their style, grace and, most importantly their speed.
Unitard-clad hoons are fervently welcomed. "We judge them primarily on speed." says General Manager Mao.

The sport was originally conceived by skiers as a way to keep fit over the summer months, however since its sunny inception in the mid 1980s, grass skiing has been dismissed by many people as a faddish fringe sport.

Despite this, there is still a core group of hardcore grass skiers dotted throughout the world. Top skiers can perform high jumps and reach blistering speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Organisers are hoping they can foster a love for this sport and, hopefully, help someone on the way to becoming a world champion. Tournaments are already held regularly in Taiwan, Japan, Germany and France.

Transport
To get to Chongming Island - Take a taxi to Bao Yang Ma near Wu Cong Kou (?0 from the centre). Boats leave every 15 minutes. Tickets cost ?7 one way. Boats leave every half hour bound for Shanghai, so make sure you book a ticket for the return leg, so that you don't spend your afternoon in the waiting room.

Accommodation
There is a lot of accommodation offered on the island. Greenies can rent a tent for ?0 per person at Dongping Natural Forest Park, or if you're a pleasure seeker try one of the hotels. Rooms cost around ?00 a night.
Other activities Dongping

Natural Forest Park
Dongping National Park - all faux windmills and manicured gardens - is teeming with activities for adventurous types. Horseback riding, paddle boating, tandem bike riding, rock climbing are just some of the activities within the park. Adrenaline junkies should head straight for the flying fox or try one of their fun park rides.

Dongping National Park, Chongming Tourism Festival, 26-27th September. More info:5933 8333 or 5933 8399 (Chinese speakers only). Organisers will provide participants with a pair of boots, a helmet, skis and knee pads. There are no individual competitions, so participants must enter as a group.