From April 7 to April 8, 2018, the 11th National University Outdoor Skills Competition — “QiXin Sports Cup” — hosted by the Peking University Mountain Eagle Club was successfully held. The competition featured four events: rock climbing and bouldering, rope technique relay, outdoor skills, and orienteering. A total of 22 teams from 21 universities across the country gathered at Peking University to jointly stage a thrilling contest of speed and passion.
At 9:00 a.m. on April 7, the opening ceremony was held at the climbing wall in Peking University’s First Gymnasium. Two members of the Mountain Eagle Club swiftly scaled the south wall and unfurled a banner inscribed with the words: “Precipitous cliffs and yawning gorges, driving rain and gusting winds — yet up and down we go, caring not for the world’s affairs; dusk’s rosy clouds and morning stars, a tall forge and green wine — forward we press, true to our youthful hearts.” This also marked the official start of the competition. Attendees at the ceremony included Mr. Luo Shen, Director of the Climbing and Ice Climbing Department of the China Mountaineering Association; Mr. Sun Bin, Principal of Peak Outdoor Sports School; Ms. Liu Bo, a teacher from Peking University’s Physical Education Teaching and Research Section; Ms. Meng Chun, Brand Manager of QiXin Sports; and Mr. Jiang Lingyun, Design Supervisor of Hei Bing. Speeches were given by Mr. Luo Shen, Mr. Sun Bin, and the club president, Liang Junmang, all expressing high hopes for the event.
On the 7th, the rock climbing and bouldering events, as well as the rope technique relay, took place simultaneously. Cheers and gasps of amazement frequently erupted near the west wall and bouldering area where the climbing and bouldering competitions were held. On the climbing wall, team members leapt and grasped, scaling vertical surfaces in pursuit of height; at the bouldering wall, athletes maneuvered within a compact space, showcasing the beauty of strength and agility. The audience applauded every elegant move and every successfully overcome challenge. Below the south wall, an air of tense anticipation settled over the crowd as two teams competed in the rope technique relay. Based on crevasse rescue scenarios, the relay included three main events: single-rope ascent, single-rope descent, and setting up a pulley system for crevasse rescue. It tested participants’ technical proficiency and ability to stay calm under pressure. Each team’s three members had both individual roles and collaborative tasks; each had to ensure their part was flawless to save time and support the team. While the south and west walls witnessed different flows of time and atmosphere, both scenes were equally gripping.
On the morning of the 8th, the other two events — outdoor skills and orienteering — alternated at Beijing’s Baiwangshan Forest Park. The outdoor skills segment included packing and camp setup, as well as simulated rescue, testing participants’ teamwork and hands-on abilities. Tasks such as setting up tents, packing and loading gear, and immobilizing injured persons required cooperation and attention to detail. Orienteering not only demanded speed and stamina but also accurate map reading and strategic route planning. With the sun shining brightly on the 8th, the participants sweated through the woods, engaging in both mental and physical challenges. By 1:00 p.m., the competing teams gradually returned to the climbing wall. Thus, all events of the competition had been completed.
At 3:00 p.m. on the 8th, the closing ceremony and awards presentation were held at the climbing wall. All award-winning teams received generous prizes provided by Hei Bing. Notably, this year’s competition incorporated an environmental protection element, with club president Liang Junmang advocating that all sister clubs pay attention to environmental care and green travel during outdoor activities. During the ceremony, the Chiji Club from Xinjiang University extended congratulations on the successful event and presented beautiful gifts to all participating clubs, expressing hopes for lasting friendships. Competing while exchanging ideas, growing together through hard work — this is also our shared aspiration. May we meet again under the same spring sunlight next year, beneath the climbing wall.
— Liu Nanping