Yangshuo Rock Climbing Guide - Best Places, Routes, Time

Yangshuo has a typical and peculiar karst landform with lots of mountains and cliffs which makes it one of the best rock climbing destinations in China. It is no exaggeration to say that the places for Yangshuo rock climbing can be found everywhere. There are joints developed in the rock wall, and due to the abundant rainfall, the cracks and potholes left are firm and clean, which is specially suitable for Yangshuo rock climbing. Below are some useful Yangshuo climbing guide.
 

It is the earliest and most attractive natural rock climbing site in Yangshuo. Up to now, there have been 15 routes, 8 on the straight wall, 2 on the left and right sides of the hill, and 4 in the transition area from the arch to the straight wall, with varying degrees. The rock wall is relatively broken. One needs to wear a climbing helmet and be aware of falling rocks.

Popularity:
Elevation: about 380 meters (450 yards)
Difficulty: 5.13
Number of Routes: 15
How to Get There: Take Shili Hualang (Ten Miles Gallery) Sightseeing Line at Yangshuo Fengming Tourist Center and get off at Yueliangshan (Moon Hill). 
 

Named due to the mountain shaping like a bottle, Wine Bottle Crag has more than 20 climbing lines. The first 2 are easy; the difficulty of routes 3 and 4 is 5.9, and of routes 5 and 6 is 5.10a, which are good choices for beginners. Be careful when climbing Route 9 because it is easy to fall off when you climb over the cabin. Route 10 has two sections along a large crack.

Popularity:  
Elevation: about 150 meters (165 yards)
Difficulty: 5.6 - 5.11
Number of Routes: 20
How to Get There: Take Shili Hualang (Ten Miles Gallery) Sightseeing Line at Yangshuo Fengming Tourist Center and get off at Butterfly Spring Park, which is directly opposite the Wine Bottle Crag. Cross the path in the field to reach the bottom of the rock wall.
 

There are 6 routes in total, suitable for amateur climbers in Yangshuo. Routes 1 and 2 are top rope routes for beginners. Route 3 has a height of 18 meters and a difficulty of 5.8. Routes 4 and 5 start from large eaves with the deep vertical and horizontal cracks. Route 6 is the most complicated, starting at the bottom of the right side of the eaves and must be turned to the left to continue climbing.

Popularity:
Difficulty: 5.7 - 5.10c
Number of Routes: 6
How to Get There: From Fengming Tourist Center, tourists can walk southward for 1.7 (1.1mi) to the cave.
 

The peak is called the Thumb Peak by the climbers because of its shape resembling a thumb. The left trad climing route is about 130 meters (142 yards) high, and needs to be divided into five pitches for group climbing. On the right is the “Happy New Year” Sporting Climbing area developed in 2001, which has 5 pitch “Happy New Year” routes and 9 other routes.

 Popularity:  
 Elevation: about 150 meters
 Difficulty: 5.6 - 5.12a
 Number of Routes: 18
 How to Get There: Take Shili Hualang (Ten Miles Gallery) Sightseeing Line at Yangshuo Fengming Tourist Center and get off at Butterfly Spring Park. The peak is nearby.
 

Because the surface of the wall has many pits and seems like cheese, it is called “Swiss Cheese”. It is the nearest Yangshuo climbing fields with several relatively simple routes. Many bamboos grow under the rock wall, and it is quite cool here in summer and suitable for rock climbing in hot days.

Popularity:    
Elevation: about 260 meters (285 yards)
Difficulty: 5.6 - 5.10a
Number of Routes: 22
 Closed temporarily.
 

September and October in Autumn is considered the best time for Yangshuo climbing with little rain. The heat has passed, and the cold winter has not yet arrived. You are not suggested to go there at rainy days.

Read more about Yangshuo Weather
 

Since the first session in 2008, Yangshuo Climbing Festival has been held every year and has become the largest climing festival in China. The festival time is often late October to early November, when rock climbers from all over the world gather to enjoy climbing.
 

1.    Basic Knowledge on Climbing Grades
The difficulty of level 5 or above cannot be accurately divided by the Yosemite Decimal System. According to the general guidelines, it can be divided into:
5.0 – 5.7: Most of the beginners are suitable for this category. It is easy for experienced climbers.
5.8 – 5.9: The climbers are required to master certain techniques. It is not very difficult for experienced climbers to cope with.
5.10: Amarteur climbers can make it, requiring climbers to master and apply various techniques.
5.11 – 5.15c: Expert field. Need a lot of professional and hard training to achieve it.

2. What to Pack for Climbers in Yangshuo
Seat belts, descenders, risers, iron locks, at least 30 quick-hanging, 2-3 60-meter long main ropes, helmets and rope sets. The climbing base provides climbing equipment for renting. You can also buy equipment you need in the sports equipment and outdoor shops in West Street in Yangshuo.
 

Karst Climber: It is one of the earliest rock climbing clubs in Yangshuo with accumulated good reputation. You can meet many other climbers in Yangshuo there.
Black Rocking Climbing: They have complete equipment. The professional coaches are very patient.
Blue Sky Rocking Climbing: rock climbing courses are provided to beginners.
Insight Adventures: They provide help for school students in groups.