Infinite beauty lies atop perilous peaks — Photo by Liu Puli
Essential Gear for Grassroots Climbers
Many people think they are well-prepared before climbing, but often find they’ve forgotten something during the trip, causing inconvenience. Below is a list of essential items grassroots-level climbers need to bring before heading up mountains under 3,000 meters.
In the heart of colorful Yunnan—Kunming—God has bestowed unparalleled natural conditions. Beyond the plateau pearl that is Dianchi Lake, this vibrant land seems like a world unto itself. The naturally formed winding mountains, together with the growing community of climbers, weave a beautiful scene that is truly captivating.
When the cool mountain breeze brushes your cheeks and you stand atop the peak with a view that makes all other mountains seem small, you’ll feel the joy of returning to nature. For urban dwellers plagued by “modern civilization illnesses,” this feeling is undoubtedly the best kind of nourishment, like an “invincible chicken hotpot soup.”
Precautions
Travel light when going uphill and carry as little luggage as possible to avoid exhausting your energy.
Mountain weather changes rapidly, alternating between sunshine and rain. Bring a raincoat, as it’s not advisable to use an umbrella in windy, rainy conditions.
Do not climb peaks during thunderstorms, avoid leaning on metal railings, and do not take shelter under trees to prevent lightning strikes.
Temperatures are lower at night and early in the morning on the mountain, so bring warmer clothing.
Due to steep and high paths, it’s best to walk slowly and steadily—do not rush. Always remember: “Look at the scenery when you’re not walking, and walk when you’re not looking at the scenery.”
When exploring the mountains, travel with companions and look out for one another. Avoid climbing dangerous heights alone.
When climbing, lean your body slightly forward and consider taking a zigzag path. This saves energy and makes the climb easier.
The climbing group should not be spread too far apart; maintain constant communication front and back. When descending, go in groups of at least two to avoid solo movement, as being alone increases the risk of accidents.
Continuously adjust your pace and breathing while hiking—avoid sudden changes in speed.
When climbing, it’s best to follow trail markers left by previous hikers or mark your own path along the way. After dark, never walk through valleys or unfamiliar routes.
If you get lost, retrace your steps or find a safe shelter and wait for rescue. In addition to conserving energy, help keep your team’s emotions calm.
Understand the potential dangers during climbing and how to respond. If an accident occurs, stay calm and try to contact the police or base camp personnel.
Climbing Craze? Most Hikers Are Grassroots Enthusiasts
Grassroots Representatives: Twin Brothers Dongfang Zihan and Dongfang Zihao
Climbing History: Started climbing at age 10, completed ten peaks within two years. Through trials of wind and rain, the duo became a celebrated story in Kunming’s climbing community and were recorded in history.
Kunming Situation: Aside from nearby easier regular routes such as Xishan, Qiongzhu Temple, Baozhu Temple, Changchun Mountain, and Golden Temple, the “Kunming Ten Peaks” have become a new starting point for climbing enthusiasts. Most of these climbers are grassroots, including children as young as five or six, seniors over sixty, and even some individuals with disabilities who have joined the hiking community.
Expert Advice? Choose the Right Mountain for You
Jin Feibao (Famous Explorer, Extreme Sports Expert): For most enthusiasts, I believe climbing isn’t about blind adventure. Everyone should choose mountains that suit their physical condition, progressing step by step from easy to difficult.
Zhang Jingchuan (famous mountaineer): Mountaineering is like an experience in life. Only with firm belief and the perseverance of a mountain can you be fearless.
In the subconscious minds of many, mountaineering seems to be an upscale sport, and only famous peaks like Everest and K2, which climbers from Kunming such as the Jin brothers and Zhang Jingchuan have scaled, count as true mountaineering. But that’s not the case. Scaling these peaks is actually an extreme sport and an expedition. Without years of training and gradual mastery of skills, climbing extremely challenging mountains is as hard as “reaching for the sky.”
Safety precautions? Report before ascending to high altitudes.
Su Xiangdong (Secretary-General of the Yunnan Mountaineering Association): Before climbing, enthusiasts should first strengthen their safety awareness. While improving their skills, they should also ensure their equipment is complete, and familiarize themselves with the climbing or exploration routes, aiming for adventure rather than taking unnecessary risks.
Mountain outdoor sports have been classified as high-risk physical activities under the National Fitness Regulations for many years. Yunnan alone has 51 mountains over 4,000 meters in elevation. Many hikers lack experience, have incomplete gear, and insufficient knowledge, often leading to tragic incidents such as going missing, getting trapped, or even losing their lives.
As a result, according to relevant regulations, climbing activities above 3,000 meters in Yunnan need to be reported and filed with the provincial sports bureau. However, currently, very few hikers come forward to register.
Management proposal? Build a system of mountain hiking trails.
Zhang Shi (Vice Chairman of the Kunming Mountaineering and Exploration Association): I have submitted a proposal to the CPPCC to “abolish the management measure that bans mountain entry during the forest fire prevention period.” At the same time, the proposal also suggests developing the closest mountain to the city, Changchong Mountain, into a hiking trail system. The goal is to secure special funds from the General Administration of Sport of China and construct a rich network of hiking trails according to national standards, making it a nationally certified mountain park and trail system.
Qi Jiaming, a citizen who hadn’t been outdoors for a while, recently gathered family and friends to visit the long-missed Mao Maoqing area of Xishan Mountain in the spring. But what they didn’t expect was that when they were walking along the mountain path near the Little Stone Forest, they were stopped halfway by patrolling forest rangers. The reason given was simple: it was currently the forest fire prevention and mountain closure period, and tourists were prohibited from entering the back area of Xishan Mountain. After much pleading proved ineffective, the group had no choice but to leave disappointed, coming full of excitement but returning in dismay.
However, on their way down, they still saw many experienced hikers bypassing the fire safety checkpoints and taking shortcuts up and down the mountain. “It seems that blocking alone is not the only solution. The key is to raise citizens’ awareness of fire use and prevention, prioritizing education and publicity so we can prevent problems before they happen,” Qi Jiaming said.
Application level? Must climb a mountain peak over 6,500 meters.
Like other sports, mountaineering also allows athletes to apply for grading titles, but in reality, many people are still unaware of this. Last year in Yunnan, only one person applied to be a sports master, far from the reputation of being an outdoor paradise and a province rich in mountains.
It is understood that mountaineering grade athletes are divided into several technical levels: International Sports Master, Sports Master, First-Class Athlete, Second-Class Athlete, and Third-Class Athlete. For men, a Third-Class Athlete only needs to reach the summit of an independent mountain peak over 6,500 meters to apply.
When applying for a grade as a mountaineering enthusiast, one must possess a summit (or high-altitude ascent) certificate issued by the sports administrative department of the mountain’s location or the Chinese Mountaineering Association.