Zhang Liang in competition at the 2011 Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival
The 2012 KAILAS Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival will offer not only beginner rock climbing experiences, a camping gathering, mountain bike cross-country races, a travelers’ wedding, an “L-style” cosplay party, and a climbing music festival—but what about a slacklining competition?
As the 2022 Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival approaches, the slacklining competition, which has garnered much attention since last year, is set to be even more exciting this year. Several top slackliners have already been invited to attend. As one of the hottest outdoor sports in 2012, slacklining has been shining brightly across the country with its unique charm. Among them, Zhang Liang, known as the “No. 1 Freestyle Slackliner in China,” has been invited to make another appearance in Yangshuo to exchange skills and compete with other top slackliners.
Zhang Liang performing freestyle slacklining (Photo courtesy of China Outdoor Photography)
It is reported that during the rock climbing festival, Zhang Liang will put on an impressive slacklining performance. As one of the few in China capable of breakdancing on a slackline, Zhang Liang will not only showcase thrilling freestyle moves at the festival but is also expected to take on some of Yangshuo’s famous high-altitude spots. In short, there will be plenty of activities, non-stop excitement, more thrilling challenges, and more stunning moments—all at the Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival. Registration in Yangshuo is now in full swing, and the organizing committee is confirming more information about participating domestic and international athletes. For registration and more details about the Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival, please visit the official website at www.rockclimbing.cn
Highlights from the 2011 Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival Slacklining Competition
What You Must Know About Slacklining
Slacklining, also called rope walking, or “Slackline” in English, is a new sport where participants walk across a narrow, flat webbing tensioned between two anchor points while maintaining balance and even performing various tricks. It was pioneered by foreign mountaineers based on the traditional tightrope walking activity. The Slackline typically uses a 25mm wide and 3mm thick nylon webbing. It can serve as a training exercise for rock climbers to improve their balance techniques and is also an independent, highly challenging balancing sport.
Slacklining originally started as an activity among foreign mountaineers and rock climbers to practice and experience balance and mental focus. “Cool,” “fun,” “feeling the balance,” “challenging limits,” “zen”—or maybe the answer is simply, “Because the slackline is there!”