After ten days of construction, an indoor rock climbing gym was completed, meeting the climbing needs of different groups.
Picking, pulling, pushing, stretching, and stepping—this series of movements can only be used in one sport: rock climbing. In Changchun, several outdoor-loving “travel buddies” spent ten days creating a climbing gym indoors. In the sports community, these “travel buddies” like to call it the “bouldering bar.” Here, climbers experience the thrill of scaling walls. The builders aim to use this sport to train everyone’s perseverance and physical strength.
Indoor Climbing Gym Built in 10 Days
Rocks with varying textures are distributed across a wall with different slopes, and you have to look up to see the full picture. Each rock is a different size to suit both children and adults. One of the designers, Li Chengyuan, said he has climbed in many places. In other cities, there are not only outdoor climbing spots but also many indoor climbing gyms that cater to different groups. But in Changchun, there wasn’t such a place for climbing, so he came up with the idea of building an indoor climbing gym.
With the idea in mind, Li Chengyuan and his friend Dayong started the construction. From buying materials to welding steel frames, they sought skilled individuals from among the “travel buddies.” Everyone contributed their strength or money, and after ten days of work, the climbing wall was finally completed. Then came the installation of cables and harnesses. After all the work was done, the project was officially finished. The total cost was 30,000 yuan. Although the investment was relatively high, everyone felt it was worth it to have a fixed place to enjoy climbing.
Rock Climbing Is a Sport That Builds Perseverance
Many people may not understand what rock climbing really is. Outdoor sports enthusiast Li Chengyuan explained that rock climbing is a competitive sport derived from mountaineering. It combines fitness, entertainment, and competition. It requires participants to have a brave, tenacious, and determined spirit while also needing good flexibility, rhythm, and climbing skills. Only then can they skillfully perform thrilling moves like shifting, turning, jumping, and pulling up on steep cliffs of varying heights and angles, delivering a beautiful, smooth, exciting, and powerful experience.
As he spoke, Li Chengyuan stretched out his arms and hands for the reporter to observe. His arms had muscles and looked very solid. His palms had thick calluses, and his fingertips were somewhat enlarged. Li Chengyuan said that people who love rock climbing not only have strong arm strength but also strong willpower. They don’t easily back down when faced with challenges. Regular practice of rock climbing will definitely lead to calluses on the hands, but that doesn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.
Proper Use of Footwork Is Key to Lasting Longer
After the introduction, Li Chengyuan invited the reporter to experience the novelty and thrill of rock climbing. When the reporter put on climbing shoes and stood on the climbing wall, they found it difficult to use their heels effectively. When trying to rely on arm strength to climb, the body would sink downward. When they reached a height of two meters, the reporter started feeling a bit of vertigo, and their arm strength gave out—they fell onto the foam mat, looking rather embarrassed.
Then, Li Chengyuan put on his own shoes and demonstrated for the reporter. He moved lightly and swiftly, climbing a five-meter-high wall in just over ten seconds without any safety gear. Li Chengyuan explained that normally, safety measures are required for climbs over two meters to ensure greater safety. Rock climbing requires the proper use of footwork, not brute force—the arms are just for balance. Also, climbing shoes are specially made, with very hard soles that help grip the rocks.
Rock Climbing Is Also Known as Graceful “Rock Wall Ballet”
Using the inner edge of the forefoot or the toes to push off and support the body reduces the load on the upper limbs. Climbers grip the edges, cracks, and ridges of the rocks with their fingers. Then they reach into the crevices, spreading their palms or curling their fingers—these series of movements create a strong visual aesthetic. Li Chengyuan said that climbers appear as steady as geckos and as agile as eagles on the rock face. It’s a highly aesthetic and visually captivating sport, often referred to as “rock wall ballet.” In daily life, few people get the chance to be near cliffs, so rock climbing has become an emerging way to relieve stress and challenge oneself through sport.
Li Chengyuan said that as long as you master the climbing techniques, both men and women are suited for rock climbing. Because women generally weigh less, they may actually find it easier. Usually, when “travel buddies” get together and share experiences, some female outdoor enthusiasts climb even faster. This sport is for everyone, regardless of gender. Everyone wants to experience the thrill and excitement that rock climbing brings.