Yangshuo, Yangshuo, it’s always Yangshuo again and again. After the overall revelry and rest during the National Day holiday, let’s set off once more to experience a different side of Yangshuo, because the annual Yangshuo Climbing Festival is about to take center stage here once again.
Yangshuo is the Yangshuo for climbers everywhere, the Yangshuo for outdoor enthusiasts across China, and even more so, the Yangshuo for people all over the world.
Since the registration system for the Yangshuo Climbing Festival opened in September, climbers from various regions and climbing gyms have kicked off the first wave of registrations. According to statistics from the event’s official website, in just two short weeks, nearly a hundred participants from all over China and multiple countries and regions have signed up, including many from abroad. Currently, all preparations for the Yangshuo Climbing Festival are progressing smoothly. The custom-designed T-shirts unique to the festival have just been released, a variety of special souvenirs are also in place, and the abundant prizes and gift packs prepared for the festival by major sponsors are waiting for the arrival of all climbers.
Limited edition custom-designed T-shirts made exclusively for the 2012 Yangshuo Climbing Festival
For many climbers, winning awards is one thing, but climbing itself is even more important. No matter your skill level, you should come to the site to experience the charm of world-class climbing areas such as Moon Hill, Wine Bottle Hill, Swiss Cheese, Thunderbolt Mountain, White Mountain, and more. There are always a large number of climbing routes of varying difficulty levels waiting for climbers to try and explore. For first-time climbers, the organizers have also thoughtfully set up a “Beginner Experience Zone,” specially designed for newcomers interested in climbing to get a taste of the sport on-site. It’s said that the organizers have guaranteed that first-timers will have an experience that is “once-in-a-lifetime.” To this end, the organizing committee has also arranged professional activities such as CMDI climbing technique instruction and Petzl high-altitude rescue demonstrations.
Yangshuo’s premier climbing site — Moon Hill
The Yangshuo Climbing Festival is also a gathering place for top climbers
But apart from climbing, is famous Yangshuo really just about that? NO. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, the area’s diverse cuisine, unique local flavor, and rich cultural heritage will definitely give you a different impression of Yangshuo. Scattered among the mountains and rivers are ancient architecture, historic bridges, memorial sites of notable figures, and cliff inscriptions. The ancient and the modern blend brilliantly here — the charm of West Street offers yet another kind of surprise: it is the area with the highest concentration of foreigners and one of the places richest in exotic atmosphere. Craft shops, calligraphy and painting stores, hotels, cafes, bars, Chinese martial arts schools, outdoor gear shops… you name it, they’ve got it. When you see those calm and composed men and women walking past you, you’ll realize that this is truly a paradise for leisure and fun, a magical place where all kinds of surprises and encounters can happen.
Night view of Yangshuo West Street
Right now, the weather in Yangshuo is crisp and clear in the golden autumn season, with beautifully sunny skies. According to meteorological forecasts, the best climbing weather will continue from the end of this month through mid-November. At the same time, alongside the climbing festival, there will also be a camping gathering, hiking and cycling events, and even a climbers’ wedding in Yangshuo. All of this fills Yangshuo with the joy and romance of autumn.
In November, the world-renowned climbing destination of Yangshuo is warmly looking forward to meeting climbers from all over at the Li River. Slow down here, enjoy the landscape, and savor the freedom of a slower pace. In short, in Yangshuo, the naturally picturesque scenery is everywhere, the rustic and elegant countryside views are serene, the breathtaking natural cliffs are out of this world, the unforgettable “foreigner” West Street leaves a lasting impression, the nightlife in the bars, the stunning beauties, and the most exciting climbing festival along with electrifying concerts. Current feedback from various regions indicates that this year’s climbing festival is expected to attract the largest number of participants in its history. Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life will gather in Yangshuo to share in this joyful and free celebration.
Posters for the climbing festival posted in outdoor shops across the country
Come to Yangshuo to find what you’re looking for, and also discover what you never knew you wanted most. A trip to Yangshuo is absolutely “worth seeing”! Let’s wait and see the annual climbing carnival about to unfold in Yangshuo. Registration for the Yangshuo Climbing Festival is now in full swing. For registration and more information about the Yangshuo Climbing Festival, please visit the official event website: http://www.ysclimbfest.com/