Climbing Potential in China

I spent about a month in Yangshuo China and I was very impressed by how fast the number of routes grew while I was there. However, there still seems to be infinite potential at this place. On a rest day, our group decided to take a boat ride drifting down the most scenic section of the Li River. Not only did we appreciate the scenery with awe, but we were all excited by how many untouched limestone towers we counted. Many potential multi-pitch routes; many potential first ascents.

Rock climbing is still pretty young in China, but it grows fast. Just like people expect China to be a powerful economic entity, I expect China to be the ultimate climbing paradise. I studied the geography of China growing up and I know there are many mountains and rocks waiting to be touched. Until now, I have heard numerous stories about great climbing in different regions from my Chinese climbing friends and from western climbing explorers, and the stories keep coming.

I also want to explore China more for personal reasons. I feel a special connection with the geographic features in China because I am very fond of Chinese literature where writers and poets like to praise their land and the wonderful scenery surrounding them. In addition, I consider that land my land because of my Chinese cultural background. Ever since I started to get into outdoor endeavors in the States, I wanted to introduce how great Taiwan and China are for outdoor pursuits to my American friends. How could I not get excited by what I saw in Yangshuo, and that was only the tip of an iceberg.

This article concludes my Yangshuo China series and I have published the following articles on my blog. I have already started to plan my next trip to China and this time I want to spend more time and explore more places. I hope that you look forward to my next series about climbing in China.

Yangshuo China Series:

1. In and Out China
2. Westernized Yangshuo?
3. The Climbing Scene in Yangshuo
4. Yangshuo China Trip Report – Thumb Peak thru Happy New Year (5.10b)
5. Yangshuo China Trip Report – Twin Gate Mountain and its West Tower
6. Yangshuo China Trip Report – Low Mountain
7. Yangshuo China Trip Report – Treasure Cave
8. Yangshuo China Trip Report – Space Buttress
9. Yangshuo China Trip Report – Brave New World
10. Sport Climbing; Traditional Climbing
11. Climbing Potential in China

Photo Credit: Josie McKee