Celebrating 20 Years of KAILAS's Mountain Adventure Project in Chengdu

KAILAS Celebrates 20 Years of Mountain Adventures

In a spectacular event held at Chengdu's MixC on August 7, 2026, KAILAS celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Mountain Adventure Project. This initiative, dating back to 2006, was created to support Chinese climbers in tackling yet-to-be-conquered peaks, charting new routes, and chronicling their adventures in the mountains.

The 20th anniversary festivities brought together a congregation of notable climbers, including Jon Otto, Li Zongli, Liu Junfu, Zhou Song, Zhang Qingwei, known as 'Yeren,' and Alan Rousseau. These climbers have collectively contributed to the evolution of climbing in China over the past two decades, transforming from mere learners to pioneers in climbing new terrains. The event served as a nostalgic reflection on the project's milestones and achievements in the realm of mountaineering.

At the heart of the celebration was the Yaomei Peak, the highest point of Mount Siguniang. This iconic peak has been a common thread among climbers, serving as a symbol of their relentless pursuit of adventure. The event was structured around a discussion panel where experienced climbers shared insights from their journeys, focusing on route development, technical advancements, teamwork, and the mental fortitude required for exploration.

Jon Otto, with his extensive history in exploring Chinese mountains, provided captivating anecdotes about his experiences in the climbing training community. Li Zongli and Liu Junfu offered valuable perspectives on existing and new routes they encountered in their careers. Meanwhile, Zhou Song and Zhang Qingwei recounted their exhilarating experience climbing the north face of Yaomei Peak in 2024, focusing on the newly developed route, named 'Wu.' This event showcased the dynamic interactions among diverse generations of climbers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared ambition.

Alan Rousseau, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide and a two-time recipient of the prestigious 'Piolet d'Or,' brought an international viewpoint to the gathering, emphasizing China's burgeoning climbing potential and the importance of global collaboration within the climbing community.

As part of the celebration, KAILAS also launched the newly designed website for the Mountain Adventure Project, an online repository that offers detailed information about mountains and routes, expedition reports, the latest project updates, and personal accounts accumulated over two decades. This platform is intended to facilitate easier access to exploration knowledge and promote the sharing of insights among climbers globally.

For KAILAS, the 20 years of the Mountain Adventure Project are not merely a legacy of exploration. They encapsulate a deep-seated commitment to curiosity, respect for nature, technical evolution, and the exchange of knowledge. As the sport of climbing continues to advance, KAILAS pledges to support climbers in their quest to discover new routes, share experiences, and foster relationships within the worldwide climbing community. In the words of KAILAS, "Walk your own path."