In this undated file photo, a group of ice climbers of different age groups challenge themselves on an icefall at Yunmengxia Valley in Beijing's Miyun district. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Although it's still a young sport in China, ice climbing is attracting a greater number of people to pick up ice axes and put on crampons in bid to test their strength and perseverance against the trickiest of terrains.

Among the enthusiasts is Yu Kaiyi, who, since 2014, has been head of an ice climbing club in Beijing. He and his fellow club members are now seizing every opportunity to level up their skills, as there are only about three months in the year when conditions allow for ice climbing in the capital.

"Recently, we have been holding training sessions every week, as the window for us to practice is quite short. Time is the most valuable thing," Yu, who is also a referee at international ice climbing events, told China Daily during one of the club's training sessions at Yunmengxia Valley in Beijing's Miyun district.

"Despite the pandemic, the ice climbers have returned to the icefalls this year. For them, this is more than just a sport. It's an activity that can bring you a great sense of achievement and positive energy.

"It's also a sport for sharing. All the participants, be they rivals or teammates, can share and grow together through training sessions and competitions. They might face the same challenge, which will unite them in a shared experience, and in the way they solve these problems."

However, ice climbing is not an easy sport for the beginner. Yu said that not all members in his club showed a great amount of passion and confidence the first time they tried the sport, but most will gradually begin to enjoy the challenge of attempting reach an even higher point on the icefall.

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Despite the pandemic, the ice climbers have returned to the icefalls this year. For them, this is more than just a sport. It's an activity that can bring you a great sense of achievement and positive energy ... It's also a sport for sharing. All the participants, be they rivals or teammates, can share and grow together through training sessions and competitions. They might face the same challenge, which will unite them in a shared experience, and in the way they solve these problems.

Yu Kaiyi, ice climbing enthusiast

"There are both children and adults in our club. Their passion towards the sport grows as they keep practicing. To be honest, it's not an easy sport, because the environment is harsh, given the cold temperature, as are the challenges provided by the shape of the icefalls," Yu added.

"It's a tough test of people's physical strength, mentality and strategic thinking, as they must carefully choose the route of their ascent. So, ice climbing can change a people a lot. Participants, regardless of age group, become stronger, physically and mentally."

Eleven-year-old Xu Mingxie is one of the youngsters who has gained confidence and a passion for the sport since joining Yu's club. This is the third winter on the icefalls for Xu, who is also a rock climber.

"I used to believe ice climbing was easier than rock climbing, because it seemed that it didn't require as many skills and more tools could be used. However, I was wrong," Xu told China Daily.

"For ice climbers, we need to control both our body and the tools. I cried a lot at the very beginning, and I thought about giving up.

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However, I persuaded myself and kept trying. After three years of training, I have gained courage and confidence. Now I realize that we can only truly trust ourselves after we overcome our doubts."

Witnessing the growth of a younger generation of ice climbers is always an encouragement for Yu to maintain his passion for the sport. Yu had his first taste of ice climbing at an event in Sichuan province in the winter of 2010, when he was instantly attracted by the great views of the icefall and the cool equipment.

"Using this gear to climb the ice is an experience that no other sport can provide. The most important motivation for ice climbers is that we always want to climb higher and reach a point that others haven't, so that we can be the first to see the great views," Yu added.

This undated combo photo shows ice climbers in Beijing. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Ice climbers can be found in cities across China. One example is a three-day ice climbing festival hosted at Siguniang Mountain in Sichuan province.

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The 13th edition of the festival was held on Dec 31 and, alongside competitions, the festival also featured ice climbing experience sessions and themed parties, attracting newcomers and regular exponents of the sport, alike. Over 40 competitors took part this year, while more than 200 ice climbers have visited the mountain this winter.

Witnessing the growth of a younger generation of ice climbers is always an encouragement for Yu to maintain his passion for the sport. Yu had his first taste of ice climbing at an event in Sichuan province in the winter of 2010, when he was instantly attracted by the great views of the icefall and the cool equipment

Wu Pengcheng was one of the visitors attracted to try the sport at Siguniang Mountain. The 32-year-old was in awe of the icefall's beauty when he decided to pick up the axes 5 years ago.

"I started ice climbing back in 2017 at Siguniang Mountain. I was shocked by the different shapes, colors and conditions on the icefall. When you hit the ice with the ax, you can feel the different textures under the blade." said Wu.

"Some parts are fragile, but others are solid. You just think about trying to find a way to ascend such a slippery and unstable, but beautiful, surface. Climbers are cautious, and use all the skills they can. Even the sound of the tools hitting the ice is part of the sport's charm."

More grassroots activities and more participants are what the sport needs to grow in China. As a club owner and a competition referee, Yu hopes that more people will get a taste for ice climbing, and is confident in the sport's future in China.

"Ice climbing is still a very young sport in the country, although we have hosted some high-level events here. Honestly speaking, on a professional level, there is still quite a gap between us and the global powerhouses of the sport," said Yu.

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"There is still a lot of room for improvement. In order to grow, Chinese ice climbing athletes will need to compete in more highlevel international events, and always keep their passion.

"But there are more people starting to discover the sport, and I'm confident in its quick growth in China. The sport needs more promotion and we want people to know that ice climbing is very safe. We are also working on holding more grassroots events for the public to attend."