In the rugged embrace of Beijing’s Jingling Valley, rock climber Yan Haobai – affectionately called Xiao Bai by peers – redefines adventure through his visceral ascents. The valley, a lesser-known gem 90 kilometers northwest of central Beijing, has become a pilgrimage site for climbers seeking uncharted routes since its trails gained attention earlier this year.
Through helmet-mounted cameras, Xiao Bai documents his climbs up 200-meter limestone faces, where strategic finger grips and calculated foot placements mean the difference between triumph and peril. "Every climb is a conversation with the mountain," he explains, describing how the valley’s unique wind-sculpted formations demand both technical precision and mental resilience.
Local authorities report a 40% increase in adventure tourism permits issued for the valley this November compared to 2024, signaling growing interest in extreme sports across Asia. Meanwhile, outdoor gear retailers in the Chinese mainland have seen record sales of climbing equipment ahead of the winter season.
Jingling Valley’s emergence as an adventure hub reflects Beijing’s broader push to develop sustainable ecotourism, with new safety infrastructure installations completed last month. For Xiao Bai, who has climbed here for 11 years, the valley remains "a classroom without walls" where nature’s raw beauty continues to challenge human limits.
