Athletes compete at National Youth Climbing Open in Guanshanhu

The 2026 National Youth Climbing Open opened in Guanshanhu district, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on May 2, drawing more than 800 young climbers from 27 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China.

Held over three days, the competition featured seven age categories and included speed climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering events, with 36 medal events in total. Among the participants were 68 athletes from Guizhou province, highlighting the rapid growth of the region's new generation of climbers.

The event was hosted at the Guizhou Caihu International Climbing Center, an Olympic-standard venue known as the world's only international climbing arena, located in a city center and surrounded by park landscapes.

The venue has previously hosted major competitions such as the IFSC Climbing World Cup and the Asian Youth Climbing Championships, helping Guizhou strengthen its reputation as a growing hub for international climbing events.

Guizhou is widely regarded as one of China's key regions for climbing development, thanks to its abundant mountain resources and favorable outdoor conditions. In recent years, the province has promoted climbing as a flagship mountain sport, building an integrated system that combines natural rock sites, professional venues, athlete training, and international competitions.

The National Youth Climbing Open has now been held in Guiyang for two consecutive years, reflecting growing recognition of Guizhou's event organization capabilities and climbing culture. Local officials also see the event as an opportunity to promote youth participation in sports and deepen the integration of sports, tourism, and education.

Participants and coaches praised Guiyang's mild climate, modern facilities, and professional event services, saying the city provides an ideal environment for high-level climbing competitions and memorable sporting experiences.