Nestled in Beijing's Miyun District, Jingling Valley is a natural haven that blends pristine ecology with outdoor adventure. Surrounded by lush forests, rugged cliffs and murmuring streams, this scenic valley has become one of Beijing's emerging hotspots for outdoor rock climbing, offering a perfect escape for those seeking both tranquility and challenge in nature.
As an emerging destination for wild climbing, Jingling Valley features multiple professional routes of varying difficulty, catering to climbers of all skill levels. Beyond climbing, the area is also ideal for hiking, camping and photography. During summer, the cool mountain breeze and serene environment make it a refreshing retreat from the city's heat.
Often described as "ballet on the cliff," rock climbing has gained traction in China since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Chinese athletes Deng Lijuan and Wu Peng won silver medals in the women's and men's speed climbing events respectively. Their achievements sparked a nationwide passion for the sport, helping climbing move from a niche activity to a mainstream lifestyle trend among China's youth.
According to the 2024 China Rock Climbing Industry Development Report, young climbing enthusiasts are primarily concentrated in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The report also notes that by January 2025, China had 811 climbing gyms nationwide — a 27.5 percent increase year-on-year. The growth extends beyond first-tier cities, spreading rapidly across emerging urban centers like Wuhan and Xi'an, and broader regions such as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdong Province.
A female rock-climbing enthusiast is seen at Jingling Valley in Miyun District, Beijing on November 6, 2025. /CGTN
With the sport's popularity soaring, natural climbing sites like Jingling Valley are becoming new favorites among outdoor lovers. Here, adventurers can reconnect with nature, test their limits and experience the thrill of ascending sheer cliffs — embracing both the beauty of the wild and the power of human perseverance.
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