No one can make a living solely from prize money in rock climbing competitions. There are at most 10 people nationwide who truly make a career out of rock climbing.
A’Cheng said: “It’s hard to keep going—you have to give up so much. I definitely still have to go back to work; I’ll probably have to return within a year or two.”
Their Reality
Many rock climbers in Guangzhou were taught by Wen Tou. Although not a professional climbing coach, Wen Tou has given away climbing shoes, harnesses, and other gear to those just starting out.
Zhou Lichao, who claims he has no natural talent for rock climbing, has always been involved in promoting the sport. He said: “Rock climbing needs people to pave the way—don’t those natural rock walls also need someone to set the first bolts? Now, it’s my turn to pave the way for others.”
Their Passion
The “Killer Queen” sprained her ankle and couldn’t climb for three weeks, but she still limped to the climbing gym every few days. “Just watching and chatting is good enough,” she said.
When unable to book a room while climbing in Yangshuo, Yuan Gangfeng stayed in a cave. “I heard the cave was used for storing bodies.”
Half a year ago, Yuan Tian bought a new house but hadn’t furnished it yet—he set up a climbing wall in the room first.
When not competing, A’Cheng travels across the country to find cliffs for practice. Sometimes he works on a single route for months.
[It’s hard to keep going]