Climbers brave the elevation at the 2026 China Rock Climbing Series in Lhasa

The two-day 2026 China Rock Climbing Series (Xizang Station) concluded on Sunday in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region.

The event attracted 55 climbers from across the nation to compete in professional and open categories, showcasing their strength, endurance, and skills, according to the Xizang Sports Bureau.

The competition was held at the Kyitsang Natural Rock Wall in Dogde Valley, a premier natural climbing venue in Lhasa. The venue combines professionalism with visual appeal, making it an ideal high-altitude site for climbing events and training. It has become a popular destination for climbers around the country.

Though Zhao Wanting, a 14-year-old participant from Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has competed in the series three times before, this was his first time experiencing Lhasa. "The rock wall conditions here are excellent. Participating in this national event at such an altitude is a unique experience," Zhao was quoted as saying by Xizang Daily. "Although it's a bit tiring, it's incredibly meaningful."

Over the past three years, Xizang has used the rock wall climbing open to cultivate an event system and a distinct climbing scene.

The event was co-hosted by the Mountaineering Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the China Mountaineering Association, the Xizang Sports Bureau, and the Lhasa municipal government, with the Xizang Mountaineering Team serving as the organizer.