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2015Year5Month30Day-31On that day, the mountaineering team of the Self-Travelers Association at Renmin University of China went to the Baihe Old Climbing Site in Miyun District, Beijing, for the final training session of the first phase. The team members undertook a two-day rock climbing training program designed to help them become familiar with technical gear, get introduced to the sport of rock climbing, explore new challenges, and build bravery, all contributing to further progress in mountaineering.
As always,6at the campus east gate, along with the jokes shared by the council members, all team members had arrived. After taking the departure photo and loading the vehicle, they set off on time. Because there was a rock climbing event in Miyun District this week, the departure was slightly earlier than usual to avoid any conflict. On the way out, they also ran into the weekend activity group and former mountaineering team members. After exchanging greetings, the mountaineering team set off first.
The rhythm of staying up late took a toll on some team members. Regular training sessions often ran past 11 PM, combined with academic pressure, making normal sleep routines hard to maintain. Within twenty minutes of getting on the bus, one by one, they were already dozing off with their mouths open—those blissful sleeping postures were almost enough to inspire someone to snap a photo.
The drive went very smoothly, and within two and a half hours, they had arrived at the destination—the Baihe Old Climbing Site. With beautiful mountains and clear waters, and the gentle waves of the Baihe River, the area has become a popular weekend destination in the suburbs of Beijing. After unloading their packs, they went stream tracing, set up camp, warmed up, and before long, they were standing beneathBeginnerthe cliff face. Duanzi, Dabao, and Qihei had already scaled the wall and set up ropes. Looking up from below, a steep wall of approximately70degrees50meters rose sharply before their eyes. The team members first practiced knot-tying and rappelling by the roadside railing. Only after being checked and approved by the captain’s group were they allowed to ascend the cliff.
As the first to climb the wall, [Name], under the guidance of senior team members, quickly gained an early advantage. Unlike artificial climbing walls, the natural rock faces here lack obvious fixed points for ascent. While physical strength is certainly important, success also depends on one’s judgment and body coordination. As more team members took their turns, most initially struggled to adapt—they didn’t know where to grab or place their feet, their hands shaking and legs trembling from fear. But as their skills gradually improved, so did their speed and courage. Soon, the first round of climbing came to an end with the rising temperature.
Lunch was provided by a nearby farmhouse restaurant—a meal of three vegetable dishes and one meat dish, arguably the best meal during all these training sessions. Eating watermelon was undoubtedly the happiest part of the day. One big watermelon would be devoured clean in less than ten minutes. Slice by slice, the rinds piled up in the blink of an eye.
As the blazing sun continued to heat up, the training pace didn’t let up. A team member lying on the cliff wall joked grumpily, “Where’s my cumin?” “We’re all iron plate BBQs—iron plate leopard print, iron plate study session, iron plate lamb skewers…” And just like that, the afternoon practice session quietly came to a satisfying close, filled with laughter about "iron plates" and tanned skin.
Although the training had been completed, the exercises on the second day still made some team members feel a bit apprehensive. Many started off at a slower pace than hoped, and moments of nervousness led to incorrect operations. But as they gradually warmed up and recalled techniques, they managed to complete the climbs successfully. After warming up, they moved on to a smaller cliff face with relatively lower difficulty. The training focused on climbing and belaying. Captain Qihei gave careful instructions and guidance to each team member, emphasizing attention to every detail. Before they knew it, the two-day training session was coming to an end. At the same time, with final exams approaching, the first phase of training officially concluded. Wishing everyone the best in maintaining a positive state as you head into the review period ahead.
Finally, we’d like to thank Kailas, Toread,FenixHeadlamps, Lupine, Gaotek Glasses, Ezon Watches, and Pelliot for providing us with equipment sponsorship. The high-quality gear offered crucial safety assurance throughout our training activities.
Text: Wu Kunsong
Photos: He Yongchang
