Climbing beyond fear: Former art teacher's journey on the rocks

Once an art teacher at an international high school, Yan Haobai – also known as Xiao Bai – has found a new passion in rock climbing. She began climbing just about a year ago, spending roughly seven months training at indoor gyms. Now, climbing has become an essential part of her life. For Xiao Bai, the sport reveals something deeper: "I realized I'm braver than I thought."

At the scenic Jingling Valley in Beijing's Miyun District, she has scaled cliffs with focus and grace, embodying the spirit of adventure shared by China's growing community of outdoor enthusiasts. Her message to others is simple yet powerful – take the first step, trust yourself, and you might just fall in love with the journey upward.