China Climb #4: Exploring the U-shaped Cave in Quzhou

Zhejiang’s Version of Getu: The Hui Ping U-shaped Cave

       Water towns and misty landscapes have long defined Jiangnan’s elegant and serene scenery, but few would expect this region to also boast cliffs that get climbers’ hearts racing.
       While the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area is predominantly known for its Danxia landforms—characterized by uniquely shaped mountains, lush vegetation, and diverse types—they are generally not suitable for developing climbing routes. However, Quzhou in Zhejiang is an exception. On July 29, the China Climb route-setting team arrived here after completing their work in Xi’an. Traveling from the northwest to the rugged south, they were set to experience a very different side of Quzhou.

 

Toni’s Spanish friend David Gambus climbing a route set by local climbers

       Hui Ping is known as Zhejiang’s Getu. Rock climbers who have visited the Getu Cave in Ziyun, Guizhou, are always captivated by its grandeur. Surprisingly, Quzhou’s Hui Ping also features an equally spectacular cave—the Hui Ping U-shaped Cave. The cave stands 60 meters high, nearly 20 meters wide, and extends about 100 meters deep. It’s a double-ended cave, allowing passage from one end to the other. Inside, there are stalactites, and large rock walls flank the cave entrance.

 

       The first stop for the China Climb route-setting team in Quzhou was the renowned Hui Ping U-shaped Cave. The cliffs here are typical limestone, and after preliminary development, there are now nearly 30 sport climbing routes. Among them, eight routes have been first ascended and rated between 5.10 and 5.11. The rest are new routes yet to be tested. The arrival of the China Climb team couldn’t have come at a better time.

 

       As the only all-weather climbing venue in Zhejiang and even East China, the U-shaped Cave is also called the Immortal Cave by some, though locals refer to it as the Double-Ended Cave, which explains its pass-through structure. The area features a rich variety of wall types and route styles. After surveying the site, team leader Toni believes that if fully developed, this cliff could host over a hundred routes within the cave alone. Coincidentally,
       the 2012 East China Outdoor Climbing Carnival will kick off at the Hui Ping U-shaped Cave on August 10. In addition to the existing routes, the arrival of the KAILAS China Climb route-setting team has led to the rapid development of many new routes in a short time. These new and old routes will soon welcome climbers from across East China to come and experience them.  

 

       So far, the China Climb route-setting team has established nearly 30 routes at Hui Ping. Given the originally limited number of local routes and the recent assistance from several volunteers in East China, the team plans to set more routes to meet the growing demand of climbers and ensure the success of the climbing carnival. Together, they aim to create high-quality climbing resources. Currently, both the China Climb route-setting efforts and the preparatory work for the climbing festival are progressing smoothly.

 

 Some members of the China Climb route-setting team

       In August, head to the U-shaped Cave in Quzhou. Join climbers from East China, boundary-free route-setters, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world for a unique and joyful climbing showcase.