Follow Your Heart and Persevere
The 13th China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards Announced and Ceremony Held
On January 18, 2019, the 13th China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards, the highest honor in China’s outdoor community and founded by Outdoor Exploration magazine, were announced and the award ceremony was grandly held in Beijing. Guided by the spirit of “true outdoor adventure, documenting the evolving outdoor China,” since its inception in 2006, the China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards have witnessed one breakthrough after another in the nation’s outdoor pursuits. This year’s selection process lasted three months, involving votes from the organizing committee, 20 expert judges, and comprehensive online voting statistics. Over 200 outdoor enthusiasts from across the country gathered to witness the birth of China’s top outdoor honor.
Photo caption: The 13th China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards ceremony brought together elites of China’s outdoor community.
This edition of the Golden Rhino Awards received strong support from outdoor brands such as adidas TERREX, the professional backpack brand Osprey, the innovator NITECORE, the professional outdoor apparel and gear brand KAILAS, and the well-known outdoor clothing brand MobiGarden, as well as from ISPO Beijing. In addition, the organizers upgraded the stage design and live music performances, and invited renowned host Chunxiao to host the evening event, striving to create a refreshing audiovisual feast for this major outdoor gathering.
The most memorable outdoor achievements of 2018 are all here at the China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards. So who claimed the highest honor in China’s outdoor community? The answer has finally been revealed.
- Breakthrough of the Year
Winners: Lan Jin and Wei Guangguang (for completing China’s most challenging traditional climbing route “Firewall”)
Award Citation:
The word “breakthrough” reaches a point where success hinges on minute differences, requiring utmost effort to achieve. Sometimes, “the hardest” is far more difficult than “the first.” Lan Jin and Wei Guangguang have elevated China’s traditional climbing to new heights. Despite changes in physical condition and external environment, they demonstrated a pure love for climbing, blooming their lives vibrantly on the rock face.
Photo caption:
Award recipient: Wei Guangguang.
Presenter: He Chuan (second from right), one of China’s top climbers and multiple Golden Rhino Award winner; Yu Yin (third from right), the first Chinese female skydiving instructor of the United States Parachute Association and winner of the 12th Golden Rhino Award for Best Female Outdoor Enthusiast.
Behind the Scenes:
Wei Guangguang loves all kinds of climbing and believes that more and more people will get into traditional climbing in the future. Because in traditional climbing, leading a route allows you to connect with nature and reach the summit step by step through your own imagination and ability.
- Best Backpacker
Winner: Zhu Zhiwen
Award Citation:
Cycling around the world is one of the earliest dreams born with the creation of human-powered machinery, and every era has had its representative figures who accomplished this feat. Zhu Zhiwen’s bicycle journey around the globe is tough, full of narrative, and brimming with vitality. Staying on the road is truly commendable. Achieving the greatest dream and goal with the simplest means of action, his persevering spirit is even more respectable.
Photo caption:
Award recipient: Zhu Zhiwen
Presenter: Ren? (name unclear), General Manager of Longshi Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Behind the Scenes:
With his stylish long hair and a bright red scarf, Zhu Zhiwen cuts a striking figure that perfectly captures the unique vibe of a cyclist. Having cycled nearly 60,000 kilometers, he has a general direction but doesn’t set specific goals. He travels spontaneously through many corners of the world. He says, “At any moment on the road, you might meet an interesting soul. Just like life—if you’re always setting goals for yourself, you can’t fully enjoy the present.”
- Best Outdoor Team
Winners: Kung Fu Cha Cha Paddling Team 
Award Citation:
This is a women’s team that achieved a long-duration, long-distance, record-breaking voyage. Paddling unsupported at sea for 34 days—if this team weren’t reliable, it would have been impossible to complete safely. The physical strength, perseverance, and unity of these four women are unparalleled.
Photo caption:
Award recipient: Representative of the Kung Fu Tea Canoe Team, Li Xiaobing
Presenter: Chen Xiaoguang (second from left), Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated, China Sports Press Group; Gong Bing (fourth from left), Senior Reporter of Sports Department, Xinhua News Agency, Deputy Director of the Publicity Committee of the Chinese Rowing Association.
Behind the scenes:
Li Xiaobing, representing the Kung Fu Tea Canoe Team, stepped onto the stage to receive the award. She spoke about how no adventure comes easily. Paddling unsupported at sea for 34 days, they demonstrated the courage and vision of college students in the new era. "The name 'Kung Fu Tea Canoe Team' is quite unique—were you thinking of drinking kung fu tea during the expedition?" Li Xiaobing laughed and said, "The journey was quite tough; those fantasies stayed only in our minds."
- Best Outdoor Short Film
Winner: "The Only Direction," produced by the Ruijing Sida Team
Award citation:
This film presents a complete and mature narrative through professional and precise documentation, multi-angle and comprehensive shots, and refined post-production. It calmly depicts the external experiences and internal emotional conflicts of two long-distance cyclists, ultimately returning to the theme of humanity with reflection. What is ultimately conquered is oneself, making it a worthy winner of this year’s Best Outdoor Short Film.
Photo caption:
Award recipient: Zhang Rui of the Ruijing Sida Team
Presenter: Lu Licheng (second from right), Head of Kendal China; Zhu Haoyue (fourth from right), Deputy General Manager of Maichao Pictures.
Behind the scenes:
Zhang Rui, representing the Ruijing Sida Team, took the stage to receive the award. He had previously won the Golden Rhino Award for Best Outdoor Photographer, and now his founded team has won Best Outdoor Short Film. He doesn’t see the shift from photography to video as a major change. Because photography is his passion, and video allows him to convey stories with more information, showcasing the spirit of outdoor enthusiasts to everyone.
- Best Public Welfare & Environmental Spirit
Winner: Yuanshangcao Nature Conservation Center
Award citation:
On today’s Earth, the most challenging places to promote environmental protection are either remote regions where human influence is weak, or highly developed areas where human impact is excessive. Yuanshangcao has built an environmental model that not only focuses on nature but also gains understanding and participation from local communities—protecting their homeland with knowledge and love. This represents the latest developments and directions in the field of public welfare and environmental protection, fully embodying the best spirit of conservation.
Photo caption:
Award recipient: Awang Jiumei, Secretary-General of Yuanshangcao Nature Conservation Center
Presenter: Bao Yifei, General Manager of Shanghai Landsail Peak Sports Development Co., Ltd.
Behind the scenes:
Although established just three years ago, Yuanshangcao’s “Sacred Natural Site Conservation Model” has garnered high attention and recognition both domestically and internationally through environmental actions such as monitoring and protecting the Yellow River Source and conducting snow leopard surveys. In many ethnic minority regions, while the natural scenery is beautiful, environmental degradation also exists. Yuanshangcao combines traditional culture, religious beliefs, and ecological conservation to carry out more comprehensive efforts.
- Person of the Year in Trail Running
Winner: Jia Ourenjia
Award citation:
Running for destiny, running toward a future—this Tibetan young man has done just that. Winning the championship at the UTMB around Mont Blanc, with world-class difficulty and international significance, proves that Chinese trail runners also have the opportunity to showcase their strength and spirit to the world.
Photo caption
Award recipient: Jia Ourenjia
Presenter: Li Yizhen (second from left), Co-founder of Nightcore; Ma Demin (fourth from left), Senior Outdoor Media Professional, Operations Director of Beijing Sinointeractive International Culture Co., Ltd.
Highlights:
2018 was a rewarding year for trail running in China. Jia Ourenjia said that winning the UTMB-OCC category championship was very important to him personally, and also highly significant for trail running in China — it marked a new beginning. In recent years, trail running in China has developed rapidly, especially in short-distance events. Jia Ourenjia noted, “What Chinese trail runners lack is not ability, but opportunity. I hope more Chinese runners can step onto the world’s top stages.”
- Best Outdoor Publication
Winner: "The Great Hengduan – Exploring Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet", Editors: Yang Langtao et al.
Award Citation:
This is a biography written for the Hengduan Mountains. With historical discoveries, exploratory insights, and interpretive presentations, it holds milestone value in the annals of Chinese geographical exploration. "The Great Hengduan", created by over 60 authors over three years, offers a panoramic view of one million square kilometers of high-altitude natural and cultural resources. Its immense contribution makes it highly valuable in the eyes of outdoor publications.
Photo Caption
Award Recipient: Editorial Board Members and Core Creators of "The Great Hengduan – Exploring Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet"
Award Presenter: He TK (third from right), Editorial Director of GQ China; Shiyilang (second from right), mountaineer and pioneer in highland philanthropy.
Highlights:
The Great Hengduan project took three years, involving 60 volunteers from different cities and professions. Reflecting on the special significance of the award, one core creator said, “I’m an ordinary person, not a professional outdoor athlete or industry insider. Because of this project, many people came together and we eventually made a book. This award is recognition for all outdoor enthusiasts and gives more people the chance to be part of the Golden Rhino [Awards]. The Great Hengduan is the crystallization of grassroots exploration efforts. Its chief editor Yang Langtao said, ‘Thank you to the Golden Rhino Awards organizing committee for your attention and support. With your backing, we are confident to produce a second and third volume.’”
- Best Outdoor Photographer
Winner: Gu Ying, Wildlife Photographer
Award Citation:
Many unforgettable moments only come to those who wait patiently. Gu Ying has dedicated herself to photographing in the extremely harsh conditions of the Third Pole for years. Her photography philosophy, the professional caliber of her work, and her hands-on dedication all make her worthy of the Golden Rhino “Best Outdoor Photographer” award. Her persistent pursuit has helped more people learn about Hoh Xil and inspired greater efforts to protect this pristine land.
Photo Caption
Award Recipient: Gu Ying
Award Presenter: Geng Dong (second from right), Nature Documentary Director and Photographer; Ma Liyang (first from left), CEO of Juniu and Deputy General Manager of Outdoor Exploration.
Highlights:
Gu Ying explained that photographing wildlife in China is harder than abroad, especially wildlife in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, which is often wary of humans. This demands a professional attitude, and such professionalism and skills require long-term dedication to shooting. As a wildlife photographer, she always puts animal welfare first. She hopes to contribute to easing the systemic crisis facing wildlife and help protect their habitats through her images. “Because protecting them,” she says, “is also protecting ourselves.”
- Best Adventure
Winner: Tuo Junqing
Award Citation
No guide, no support — just fun, ideas, and execution. This pure and joyful spirit of adventure is truly admirable. Throughout a long rafting journey, he documented his experiences. Within what might seem repetitive, there were moments full of warmth and thrill. Most notably, he showed respect for nature and a love for life during the expedition.
Photo Caption
Award Recipient: Tuo Junqing
Award Presenter: Lü Hui, Publisher of Outdoor Exploration
Highlights:
When you truly love something, the journey to achieve it becomes even more enjoyable. Alone in a boat drifting the seas, Tuo Junqing may look rugged, but he shed tears several times during the adventure. He said, “Because along the way I met many simple fishermen, and the most genuine side of people moved me.” It seems that real men aren’t brought down by rough waves — their tears flow only for human tenderness.
- Best Climbing Achievement
Winners: Li Zongli & Tong Haijun (completed a new route on Gongga Main Peak in the Daxue Mountain Range)
Award Citation:
This is a classic example of technical mountaineering in pure alpine style. For three consecutive years and through numerous explorations, the spirit of adventure, teamwork, passion, creativity, and unyielding will to survive that humans demonstrate on the unforgiving arena of high mountains were all vividly embodied in this climb. The fact that it marked the first Chinese ascent of Gongga Main Peak in 61 years also gives this climb special significance, inspiring more people to attempt more distant and challenging peaks.
Photo Caption
Award Recipients: Li Zongli & Tong Haijun
Presenters: Sun Na (second from right), Brand Director of KAILAS; Tsan Shanz (first from left), technical mountaineer and Principal of Chengdu Leading Climbing Mountaineering Training School.
Behind the Scenes:
As the closing award, the Best Climbing Achievement Award brought the ceremony to its climax. From the start of the nomination video, waves of applause erupted one after another. Conquering Gongga was a dream achievement many top climbers aspire to, but Li Zongli’s feelings were somewhat different. He said, “My deepest feeling is that I’ve been climbing for 12 years and have received years of mountaineering education. But in front of Gongga, I still feel like a child who hasn’t even started elementary school. My climbing is nothing in front of Gongga—I still have so much to learn.”
These are the final winners of the ten major awards at the 13th China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards. Behind their honors lie years of accumulated effort and perseverance, as well as a spirit of adventure that continuously breaks new ground and the support of free souls.
Photo Caption: During the award break, the Loft Beijing band performed wonderful music for everyone.
Thus, the 13th China Outdoor Golden Rhino Awards came to a successful conclusion. Mountaineering, alpine skiing, cycling, kayaking, sailing, environmental protection, photography, books... together they form the collective portrait of China’s outdoor community in 2018. With their awe-inspiring actions, they have written a bold stroke in the history of Chinese outdoor pursuits.
In 2019, we continue forward, following our hearts with unwavering persistence.