From Art Room to Rock Face
About a year ago, Yan Haobai – known to friends as Xiao Bai – traded her paintbrush for a chalk bag. Formerly an art teacher at an international high school, she spent roughly seven months building strength and technique at indoor climbing gyms.
Conquering Jingling Valley
This autumn, Xiao Bai took her passion outdoors to Jingling Valley in Beijing’s Miyun District. Scaling cliffs with a blend of focus and grace, she discovered what she describes as her truest reward: “I realized I’m braver than I thought.”
A Message for Adventurers
Xiao Bai’s journey reflects the spirit of a growing community of outdoor enthusiasts across the Chinese mainland. Her advice is simple: take the first step, trust yourself, and you might just fall in love with the journey upward.
Reference(s):
Climbing beyond fear: Former art teacher's journey on the rocks
cgtn.com
