Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China

WildChina > Podcast > Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China

For our seventeenth episode, we cover the evolution of rock climbing in China and its crossover with growing conservation awareness in the country. Our guest for this episode is lifetime conservationist and Yunnan climbing pioneer Bob Moseley.

The episode is hosted by WildChina’s Mei Zhang, and previously Beijing-based, climber Kendra Tombolato.

Listen to Episode 17:

Overview:

  • 03:07 – How climbing and conservation awareness correlate in China
  • 07:08 – Who were these climbers in Yunnan in 2000
  • 14:54 – The awareness of climbing as a sport in the countryside during Mei’s childhood
  • 16:02 – Transition of climbing as a sport becoming an interest in China
  • 18:45 – The different types of climbing across China
  • 22:53 – How to get started climbing in China (safety, gyms, groups, etc.)
  • 27:09 – Chinese and expat climbing communities
  • 30:20 – Resources for information on climbing in China
  • 34:20 – Where to climb in China
  • 37:43 – How to get involved in conservation

You can also listen to The China Travel Podcast on:

Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
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Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
Audible
Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
Apple
Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
Amazon
Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
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Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
小宇宙
Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
Chong pushing his limits on one of the early Xi Shan climbs we established. photo Bob Moseley

Places, resources and tips mentioned in the podcast:

Conservation in China

Resources for rock climbing in China

  • Mountain Project (The Yunnan page is managed by Bob!)
  • Operators that we recommend: Terratribes (based out of Yangshuo)
  • Yunnan
    • Climbing Kunming WeChat ID: ClimbingKunming
  • Beijing gyms
    • Rock Hour岩时攀岩 (at Pingleyuan metro stop). WeChat ID: rockhour
    • Grand Rock Bouldering 浩石运动 (in 798). WeChat ID: GrandRockSports
    • E.T. climbing in Shunyi. WeChat ID: etclimbing
    • Chaoyang Park outdoor wall
    • Ritan Park outdoor wall
  • Climb China book and app

Rock Climbing In China
The ambiance of Fumin Canyon, a rural area 20 km north of Kunming, contrasts sharply with that of Xi Shan. photo Renée Mullen
Rock Climbing In China
Laid back climbing scene at Orange Wall, Fumin Canyon. photo Bob Moseley
Rock Climbing In China
Doug Colwell being lowered off a climb on the steeply overhung Weeping Wall, Fumin Canyon. photo Bob Moseley
Rock Climbing In China
No tourist crowds to negotiate like at Long Men, just goats. photo Bob Moseley
Spring rice planting season in Fumin Canyon
Spring rice planting season in Fumin Canyon. photo Renée Mullen
Rock Climbing In China
Wang Er on a stellar Xi Shan route with spectacular views of Dian Lake and Kunming. photo Bob Moseley
Episode 17: Conservation and Rock Climbing In China
Renée Mullen reaching the top of Lao Hong Yan (Old Red Rock), high above Fumin Canyon. photo Bob Moseley

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