Climbing History
Climbing in Climbing in Yangshuo has developed a lot since 1990 when Todd Skinner first bolted routes at Moon Hill and Banyan Tree. Since then the area has attracted the attention of climbers from all over the World due to the many thousands of Karst limestone towers offering tremendous new route potential. Each year sees a new raft of stunning new routes developed by visiting or regular climbers to the area. 2009 saw the creation of China's first 9a (5.15) by visiting American climber, Chris Sharma. New routes can be recorded in the new route book which is kept at Karst Café. Paul Collis has been one of the main protagonists in the area, establishing many of the areas magnificent new routes. Paul Collis is also the author of the only guide to the area: "Rock Climbing in Yangshuo". This is a work of love with regular updates every six to twelve months. The latest guide is always available from Karst Climber or Karst Cafe. Bob Kitty is also worth a mention as Paul's climbing partner and now the founder of the Yangshuo Climbing Access Fund he is now doing a lot of work to keep Yangshuo a free climbing destination for everyone from all over the world.
