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

Celebrating Two Decades of Exploration

On August 7, 2026, KAILAS commemorated the remarkable 20-year journey of its "Mountain Adventure" project at a special event held at the MixC shopping center in Chengdu. This occasion gathered a host of esteemed climbers, including Jon Otto, Li Zongli, Liu Junfu, Zhou Song, Zhang Qingwei, and Alan Rousseau, all reflecting on the significant milestones in the evolution of Chinese mountaineering.

Launched in 2006, the Mountain Adventure project has played a pivotal role in assisting Chinese climbers to explore previously uncharted peaks, establish new routes, and share their mountain experiences with the world. Over the past two decades, the initiative witnessed a transformation in China's climbing culture—from merely learning and practicing established routes to actively creating new ones and venturing into unknown territory.

Focus on Yaomei Peak

The event highlighted the Yaomei Peak, the highest summit of Mount Siguniang, as a focal point. Its history of first ascents to recently opened routes at Yaomei serves as a testament to how various generations of climbers have continuously pushed the boundaries of exploration on this iconic mountain.

During the gathering, climbers engaged in discussions about route opening, technical advancements, teamwork, and the mindset essential for exploration. Veteran climber Jon Otto shared his extensive experience in exploring Chinese mountains and teaching climbing. Meanwhile, Li Zongli and Liu Junfu weighed in on their insights regarding both established and new climbing routes. Zhou Song and Zhang Qingwei recounted their remarkable ascent of the north face of Yaomei Peak in 2024, during which they established the new route "Wu".

Adding an international perspective, Alan Rousseau, a certified mountain guide with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) and a two-time recipient of the Piolet d'Or, discussed China's climbing potential and the significance of fostering global collaboration among climbers.

A Launch into the Future

At this event, KAILAS also introduced the new Mountain Adventure project website. This online hub will serve as a comprehensive resource for climbers, featuring vital information about mountains and routes, expedition narratives, project updates, and experiences accumulated over the past twenty years. By curating and sharing these resources, the platform aims to enhance accessibility to exploration knowledge and improve information exchange among climbers worldwide.

For KAILAS, the twentieth anniversary of the Mountain Adventure project signifies more than just 20 years of exploration; it embodies an ongoing commitment to curiosity, respect, technical advancement, and knowledge sharing. As climbing continues to thrive and evolve, KAILAS remains dedicated to supporting climbers in discovering new paths, sharing invaluable experiences, and building connections within the global climbing community.

"Forge your own path" became a rallying cry, inviting both aspiring climbers and seasoned athletes to embark on their adventures, wherever they may lead.