Yan Haobai, a former international school art teacher now scaling Beijing's cliffs, embodies China's growing passion for outdoor adventure. Known affectionately as Xiao Bai, she traded paintbrushes for climbing gear in late 2024, spending seven months mastering indoor walls before tackling natural rock formations.
At Miyun District's Jingling Valley – now a hub for urban adventurers – Xiao Bai's fluid movements across granite faces tell a story of personal transformation. "Climbing taught me to confront fear directly," she reflects. "Each hold is like solving a puzzle with your body and mind."
Her journey mirrors China's outdoor recreation boom, with rock climbing participation increasing 18% year-on-year according to 2025 industry reports. As more Chinese professionals seek nature-based stress relief, facilities like Miyun's climbing routes offer accessible escapes from city life.
Xiao Bai's advice to hesitant beginners? "The wall doesn't care about your job title or past experience. It only asks if you're willing to try." With weekend climbing workshops now filling rapidly across China's cities, her story underscores a national shift toward active lifestyles and self-discovery through sport.
