As the most anticipated annual event for Chinese climbers, KAILAS (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China has left its mark across the country since 2012. From Guangxi to Yunnan, from Shandong to Hubei... over 20 climbing areas and 423 new routes. Over the past three years, the KAILAS Rock Quest team has focused on developing climbing routes and promoting climbing culture across the country, achieving an unprecedented growth rate in new routes. The activities of Rock Quest China have also directly driven the development of climbing in China.
In this season of blooming spring, the members of the KAILAS (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China team have once again heard the call of the cliffs. In 2015, led once again by KAILAS climbers Xie Weicheng and Zhao Zhongjun, the core of China’s grassroots climbing community has regrouped, and the KAILAS (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China team is making a strong comeback. Chinese climbing legends such as Zhang Yong, Qiu Jiang, Marcos (Brazil), Zhang Xiaoliu, and Su Feng will establish a total of 150–200 high-quality climbing routes across four Rock Quest locations, including some multi-pitch routes. The 2015 Rock Quest team will include even more top climbers. The diverse climbing environments of each member will enrich the range of route styles, while also fostering more comprehensive exchanges of experience, technique, and philosophy between the Rock Quest team and local climbing communities.
In this new round of activities, the KAILAS (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China team is committed to developing routes, sharing experience, exchanging techniques, and spreading values. In addition to establishing quality climbing routes, they will continue the highly acclaimed Climbers' Gathering events from the past three years, using the platform to share knowledge about climbing techniques, safety, and environmental protection, inspiring more people to take up climbing.
After an initial call for proposals and on-site inspections, and taking into account the actual conditions of the rock resources and the needs of local climbers, the 2015 Rock Quest China has finally selected four main locations: Qingyuan in Guangdong, Zibo in Shandong, Dalian in Liaoning, and Beiliu in Guangxi. Starting May 10, the team will embark on a month-long Rock Quest journey.
Kailas (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China – Guangdong Stop
Shitan Town, Qingyuan City
This is a return visit for Rock Quest China. The first Rock Quest China activity in the Yingxi area was just 20 kilometers away from Shitan Town. In just a few years, the rapidly growing climbing scene and climbing community in the Pearl River Delta have exhausted existing route resources. Thanks to the efforts of multiple parties, the massive cliffs in Shitan are set to become a new climbing destination in the Pearl River Delta.
Date: May 11–20
Rock type: Limestone
Expected number of routes to be developed: 50
Kailas (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China – Shandong Stop
Diaohuayu and Shimiao Climbing Areas, Zibo City
Zibo is located in central Shandong. Currently, the main concentrations of climbers in Shandong are in Qingdao, Yantai, Jinan, and Zibo. The development of climbing areas in Zibo will make it the most concentrated and diverse climbing destination in the province, thereby encouraging climbing activities among Shandong climbers and those in surrounding regions.
Date: May 21–31
Rock type: Limestone
Expected number of routes to be developed: 50
Kailas (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China – Liaoning Stop
Xiaoheishan Mountain and other sites in Dalian
The Xiaoheishan stop is the second Rock Quest activity in the Northeast after the 2014 Anshan-Benxi stop. In the resource-scarce Northeast, we will work together with local climbers to provide them with more climbing options nearby. The Xiaoheishan climbing area will offer a wealth of beginner-friendly routes for climbers in Dalian and the surrounding areas.
Date: June 1–11
Rock type: Granite
Expected number of routes to be developed: 50
Kailas (Cliffstone) Rock Quest China – Guangxi Stop
Beiliu Rock Area, Guangxi Province
The Beiliu rock area is a rare location where both sandstone and limestone coexist. Around 50 sport climbing routes and over ten traditional routes have already been established. The traditional climbing zone is just 10 km from downtown Beiliu, offering very convenient access and a variety of cracks suitable for traditional climbing. The area is widely distributed and holds potential for developing a significant number of traditional and sport climbing routes.
Date: Autumn 2015
Rock type: Sandstone & Limestone
Expected number of routes to be developed: 50