Zhao Zhongjun climbing on Bomi Peak (elevation 5,413m)
The New Year has arrived, and so has the 2013 KAILAS Ice Climbing Festival. As the first major outdoor event of the year, and given the popularity of ice climbing during the year-end season, this year’s KAILAS Siguniang Mountain Ice Climbing Festival has garnered widespread attention from all quarters.
A number of well-known domestic and international ice climbing coaches have arrived. Throughout the festival, they will share the endless charm and joy of ice climbing with many students and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, several top ice climbers from the community have also been invited to attend, including KAILAS ice climbing team member Zhao Zhongjun.
Unnamed Icefall at Wuse Mountain Villa
With nearly 20 years of extensive outdoor climbing experience and a lifelong presence in the grassroots climbing scene, Zhao Zhongjun has a wide range of interests, especially in ice climbing and traditional climbing, where he is a hidden gem among the community. Besides attending the “Ice Wine Night” to watch the latest extreme climbing films with fellow “ice friends,” Zhao will also share his legendary years of ice climbing experiences on-site.
Zhao Zhongjun during an ice climb
Additionally, in the difficulty ice climbing competition, Zhao will set up and introduce several meticulously prepared routes. He will also demonstrate and experience new routes alongside other experts, exchanging climbing experiences with fellow “ice friends.” Whether it’s ice climbing training, ice climbing experiences, or the nightly “Ice Wine Nights,” in this free and joyful extreme atmosphere for all “ice friends,” let’s follow Zhao Zhongjun to feel the boundless fun, excitement, and joy of ice climbing.
Zhao Zhongjun at the Ginseng Fruit Meadow Icefall
Since the first Siguniang Mountain Ice Climbing Festival was held in 2010, this year marks the fourth edition. As another event promoting the development of public-benefit ice climbing in China, this festival will continue to support the growth of grassroots mountaineering and exploration sports. As a professional climbing brand, KAILAS takes it as its mission to “promote the development of grassroots mountaineering and exploration sports.” Since 2003, it has driven numerous public welfare projects, including the “KAILAS Outdoor Coaches Growth Program,” “KAILAS Climbing Team,” and “KAILAS Mountaineering and Exploration School,” nurturing a large number of key reserve talents for China’s mountaineering and outdoor sports. Moreover, KAILAS sponsors various professional outdoor competitions such as mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, and cross-country challenge races, making significant contributions to the popularization and development of mountaineering and outdoor sports in China.
Registration for the 2013 Siguniang Mountain Ice Climbing Festival is now officially open. For registration and more information about the festival, please visit the official KAILAS website at http://www.kailas.com.cn or the official KAILAS Weibo page: http://weibo.com/kailas
Main Climbing Experience of Zhao Zhongjun:
Mountaineering:
Zhao started his climbing life in 2001 on Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan, subsequently completing self-propelled climbs on mountains and cliffs such as Haba, Xuebao Ding, Camel Peak, Siguniang Third Peak, and Xiaoyangtianwo.
Rock Climbing:
Opened approximately 200 routes in multiple locations in Guangxi, as well as in Guoliang, Henan; Shuangqiaogou, Sichuan; and Xiangshan, Zhejiang.
Climbed rock faces of different styles across various regions, including multiple locations in Guangxi, Beijing’s Baihe, Yunnan’s Fumin, Laojun Mountain, Sichuan’s Shuangqiaogou, Henan’s Guoliang, Guangzhou’s Baiyun Mountain, Chongqing’s Yulin River, Thailand’s Krabi and Chiang Mai, Taiwan’s Taipei and Kaohsiung, and Laos’ Vang Vieng.
Ice Climbing:
Started ice climbing in Shuangqiaogou in 2008 like most ice climbers, returning year after year, season after season. Completed ice walls and icefall routes including Ginseng Fruit Meadow Icefall, Dragon’s Breath, and Wings, rated WI4-6.
Paragliding:
In 2007, placed second in the overall individual ranking and third in the precision landing event at the National Paragliding Elite Athletes Competition in Longli, Guizhou.
In 2008, placed third at the National Paragliding Elite Athletes Competition in Tianlong Mountain, Taiyuan.
On January 1, 2009, attempted mountain flight in Shuangqiaogou, Sichuan.
Caving:
Started exploring caves in 2000 with the Dashiwei Tiankeng Group in Leye, Guangxi. Locations explored include Leye, Lingyun, Yizhou, Daxin, Jingxi, Tian’e, Sanjiang, Liuzhou, and Pingguo in Guangxi, as well as underwater measurement diving in the Tianlong Cave in Enshi, Hubei, and the Xiaozhai Tiankeng in Fengjie, Chongqing.
Mountain Outdoor Races:
Frequently served as route setter and cross-country skills chief judge for top-tier international and domestic mountain outdoor events such as the China Chongqing Wulong International Mountain Outdoor Open and the China Baise Leye National Mountain Outdoor Open.