I am doing some work in China in September (lecturing in Shenyang, north of Beijing) and want to extend my trip to do some climbing. I climb 5.8/5.9 (UK: HVS; french 6a) and would like to know if anyone has any ideas on where you think would be the best place to go in that grade? Thanks!

Tim,

There is plenty of sport climbing in these grades just north of Beijing, in Yangshuo in Guangxi Province and in Kunming in Yunnan Province. If you are also looking to find partners, or hire a guide for a day, I suggest Yangshuo; it has the most active climbing scene and the crags are literally just a stone's throw from the center of town.

Drop me a line before you go if you need help with contacts.

Cheers!
Bob

Hi Bob,

Thanks a lot for your reply. I have found some info on Yangshuo and will look out for the other places you mention. Are there any guide books you recommend? I will be going with a friend, so we're hoping to do most of the climbing as a pair.

Sorry for the delay in replying but I have been away in France (not cragging unfortunately!!).

Cheers, Tim

Tim,

As far as Cragging in Yangshuo, there is a guide book available in Hong Kong, but you can also wait till you get there and buy the latest edition which is slated to come out right about now. I can probably find guides on Kunming and Beijing for you if you tell me where to send them. I'll be in Beijing this week.

Let me know when you are going so I can look for you if I am there. Yangshuo is a very easy place to meet other climbers of all levels.

Enjoy! Bob

Hi Bob and thanks again for your message.

We are planning to travel out at the very end of August for three weeks before starting the work. We have some work to do in Shenyang (North East of Beijing) from 19th to 24th September. When we have the dates firmed up (planes booked etc.), I'll drop you a line and we can hook up for a beer. From what you have said, Shenyang seems the most vibrant and a good place to start. As we will be working fairly close to Beijing (at least I think Shenyang is close to Beijing!?), I would love to get some info on climbing around there as well as info on Kunming. If you'd be happy to send me something as an attachment or some tips on how to get information about the climbing in these areas, that would be fantastic. My e-mail address is tim_loves_climbing@hotmail.com. Thanks for all your help so far!

I hope you're having a good time in Beijing!

Cheers! Tim

Tim

(and Bob,hi, good to see you are still active!)

There is a bit on Yangshou climbing at http://www.adventureatchina.com

Guangzhou at
http://climb.nease.net/

There is some info on Yunnan climbing at
http://www.c-files.com/info_yunnan1.asp
but I see it is not working at the moment. (try later)

and an example of social concience in China
http://www.yanoutdoor.com/

benjack

Hi Bob,

I got back from China last week. We did sme great climbing in Yanghsuo (not massively impressed by the liberal bolt ethics though...). Thanks for all your help, it's much appreciated!

Cheers, Tim

Hi, this isn't Tim Woodman who went to Stanford and lived in Okada House, is it?