Last weekend, on the bustling and lively West Street in Yangshuo, Guangxi, a unique Yangshuo Climbing Festival took place. With a variety of engaging activities such as obstacle courses and bouldering competitions, it allowed the continuous stream of tourists in Yangshuo to experience the charm of climbing. This was also the largest climbing-themed event held in China following the International Olympic Committee’s announcement on August 4 (Beijing time) that sport climbing would be included in the Olympics.
August 13, 20169:00 AM,The 6th KAILAS Yangshuo Climbing Festival was launched on Yangshuo West Street. This annual gathering of domestic and international climbing enthusiasts attracted thousands of climbers from around the world to experience the event firsthand.
Unlike previous climbing festivals, this year’s event—jointly promoted by the organizers and the Yangshuo County Government—invited intercontinental route-setters, national champions, and over a dozen veteran climbers who had come to Yangshuo to promote the sport since the early 1990s. They returned to share their two decades of climbing experiences and recount the development and transformation that turned Yangshuo into a globally renowned climbing destination. The organizers presented certificates of honor and the latest climbing gear to groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the climbing scene in Yangshuo. Together, they also looked forward to the bright future of the sport after its inclusion in the Olympics. For the first time during this summer vacation, the Yangshuo Climbing Festival also hosted a 48-hour non-stop climbing party, aiming to attract more people to join, enjoy, and love the sport.
In the picturesque town of Yangshuo, amidst thousands of climbing enthusiasts and thrilling, challenging climbing competitions, it’s truly hard to imagine the passion and energy of this festival unless you’re there. The scale and charm of China’s largest climbing festival are beyond imagination.