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:

Places, resources and tips mentioned in the podcast:

Conservation in China

• WildChina event recording with Bob Moseley and Ed Norton

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
  • Climb Dali
  • Climbing Kunming WeChat ID: ClimbingKunming
  • Stone Drum House near Lijiang
  • Shigu
    
• 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