Rock Climbing in Yangshuo

My current city of Yangshuo, in addition to its natural splendor and laid back style of life, is also known as one of the rock climbing capitols of the world. Rock climbers from all over the world journey to Yangshuo for the opportunity to climb its scenic limestone karst formations.

Always looking to venture outside my comfort zone, I decided to give it a try last weekend.

The basic idea is to try to scale a vertical rock face using nothing but your toes and fingertips. Kind of like Spider-Man. You are protected by a cable strapped to your waist and run through a few tiny metal anchors attached to the rock face. It is actually quite safe, though it doesn't quite feel that way when you are hanging by your fingertips 40 meters from the ground.

I am told that many people become addicted to the sport of rock climbing from the very start and, after trying it for the first time, I can see why. There is a distinctive rush of adrenaline as your body instinctively tries to tell you "Get back on solid ground, stupid!". I've never been one to experiment with cocaine, but I imagine it's pretty much the same concept.

If nothing else, rock climbing is actually a great workout. In addition to using your forearms and calves to propel yourself up the rock face, you are also constantly tensing your core muscles for balance. I previously considered myself in decent shape, but the rock climbing dudes I went with looked like Men's Fitness cover models next to me. I will spare you the pictures of me with my shirt off.