Most routes are circa 20 - 25m high, but some single pitches reach 40m in length. The grades are in both American and French and although most routes are in the 5a -7a region, thanks to recent activity some routes even reach the 8c mark. The sectors face all directions which means climbing is possible all day long and since many are slightly overhanging, climbing is also possible in light rain.
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General information
The goal of the festival is to promote the sport of rock climbing and a sense of community among climbers throughout China in a fun, friendly, casual atmosphere. The festival organizers will donate a significant portion of proceeds raised through a modest entry fee back into the local Yangshuo schools in an effort to encourage a long-term collaborative partnership between climbers and the local community.
Useful advice
A visa is necessary for China, this can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in your home country / at the Immigration's Office in Hong Kong, but this means you may have to spend a couple of days in this city until the visa is granted. A more expensive alternative is to organize a visa through one of the specialist agencies at the Hong Kong airport. These usually provide the visa within the same working day.
We highly recommend you buy the guidebook "Yangshuo, Rock Climbing" by Paul Collis, one of the most active new routers in the area. The guidebook is on sale in many local bars and the proceeds go to local bolt fund for new routes and route maintenance. Many of the older sectors have been updated, all sport routes are well equipped, but often the routes are missing a lower-off karabiner. Always take a screw gate Karabiner and some additional quick draws for the lower-off manoeuvre.
The main street in Yangshuo is called West Street and most shops, restaurants, bars and tourist agencies are located here. Gear can be hired from many local guides and those traveling alone should be able to meet other climbers here without any problem whatsoever.
Best time of year
Yangshuo is located in the Guanxi province and has a subtropical climate. Although climbing is possible all year round, the best time of year is either spring / autumn. Bear in mind that this area is highly popular during Chinese festivals such as "Chinese Spring", "Chinese New Year" (usually towards the end of January and the beginning of February), "Qing Ming" (beginning of April), "Labor Day" (1st of May), "Dragon Boat Festival" (start of June) and National Day at the start of October.