Via Ferrata (Feilada) Rock Climbing in Dongba Valley, Lijiang

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When it comes to the outdoor sport of Via Ferrata, many people may feel unfamiliar with it, and it’s not surprising, as this activity has only been introduced to China in recent years. Currently, there are only a few places in China where you can experience Via Ferrata, the most professional and highest altitude being in the Dawn Scenic Area of Laojun Mountain National Park in Lijiang, Yunnan. Our “Yimei Wild Traveler” activity in Yunnan will allow us to experience this legendary Via Ferrata. For an adventurous Aries girl, this is truly a challenging experience.

Introduction to Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata is an Italian term (Via Ferrata, meaning “iron path”) referring to climbing routes built on mountain rock faces, equipped with steel handrails, footholds, and life cables, allowing people without climbing skills to ascend steep cliffs. Invented nearly a century ago in Europe, it originated during World War I when Italy built these paths for its army to quickly traverse the Dolomites. After the war, these Via Ferrata paths became invaluable for climbers, and many European countries began to establish them, promoting outdoor adventure sports.

After World War I, this method of climbing along iron cables was recognized and loved by the public, gradually developing into a popular sport in Europe.

Distribution of Via Ferrata Climbing Areas

There are over 500 routes across many European countries, including France, Switzerland, and Germany. In Malaysia, the Via Ferrata route on Mount Kinabalu, opened in 2007, is touted as the first in Asia and is recognized as the highest Via Ferrata in the world. This climbing activity has become widely popular in Europe, with millions of people using it to climb each year. After 1990, Via Ferrata joined mountain biking, canyoneering, paragliding, and rafting as the latest fashionable outdoor activities. Local governments in France competed to fund the construction of Via Ferrata to attract tourists. Since 1998, climbing routes have rapidly developed and expanded to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Andorra, Malaysia, Canada, the United States, and beyond, becoming one of the main choices for family outdoor activities in Europe and the U.S.

The characteristics of Via Ferrata routes retain the thrilling excitement of outdoor rock climbing while providing a way to exercise physical fitness and willpower. At the same time, it greatly reduces the technical requirements for climbers, allowing ordinary people to conquer cliffs safely and gain significant spiritual enjoyment. Via Ferrata does not occupy conventional tourism resources and routes, offering a more three-dimensional, spatial, and systematic development of natural landscapes.

The Via Ferrata projects in China are gradually developing, with thrilling experiences available in various locations such as Yunyang Long Canyon in Chongqing, Wudang Mountain in Hubei, Huaihua Grand Canyon in Hunan, Bajiaozhai in Guilin, Yuewang Mountain in Guangdong, the Three Gorges Tian Keng in Fengjie, and Suobuyah in Enshi, Hubei.

Introduction to Via Ferrata Climbing in Laojun Mountain, Lijiang

Dawn is over 120 kilometers from Lijiang City. Covering an area of over 300 square kilometers, it features more than 200 square kilometers of Danxia landform, making it the largest Danxia landform group in Southwest China and one of the largest in the country. Dawn is rich in red stones, and each cliff and peak is adorned with red rock. According to legend, Taishang Laojun once refined elixirs on Laojun Mountain, not far from here, and the everlasting flames spread here, creating the reddish sandstone that resembles colored beads. It sparkles amid the dense green forests.

Dawn is located within the Laojun Mountain Scenic Area, 120 kilometers from the ancient town of Lijiang. It is renowned for its Danxia landform, with over 200 square kilometers of this unique landscape, making it one of the largest in the country. There is also the stunning Qian Gui Mountain, featuring massive weathered stones that resemble fish scales, with surfaces appearing cracked like a myriad of small turtles in neat rows. Besides the natural scenery, there is a Via Ferrata climbing project equipped with steel handrails, footholds, and life cables, allowing those without climbing skills to ascend steep cliffs. The beginner route is suitable for children over 5 years old and adults, making it a great experience to bring children along for both thrill and physical fitness.

Duoji has attended a summer camp here once before, and he fondly remembers it. This year, his birthday coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival, so we arranged for him to experience “Laojun Mountain again” as a birthday gift.

The Via Ferrata climbing in Laojun Mountain is located in the Dawn Scenic Area and offers two routes:

1. Anthony Via Ferrata Route 1: 280 meters long, with an absolute elevation difference of 75 meters, and an altitude range of 2400-2475 meters. It is rated as difficult and takes about 1 hour to climb. This route is considered a beginner experience.
2. Anthony Via Ferrata Route 2: 650 meters long, with an absolute elevation difference of 180 meters, and an altitude range of 2500-2680 meters. It is rated as difficult and takes about 2.5 hours. This route tests one’s courage; once you start climbing, you can only move forward, so challengers should choose carefully.

Via Ferrata Climbing

The adventure destination is 15 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town and is one of the few eco-friendly outdoor high-altitude experiences in Lijiang. As one of the first invited players to experience it, Little V presents a detailed guide today to unlock this newly popular outdoor spot.

What are the Specific Activities?

1. A Little Science Education

Dongba Valley is located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, 15 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. It is a fault valley formed by tectonic movements. The Via Ferrata climbing project at the Dongba Adventure Center is set within Dongba Valley, which is 9.0 kilometers long. During the climbing process, you will appreciate the incredible craftsmanship of the cliffs, as well as various stalactites, dry vines, bizarre trees, and unique stones. It’s an excellent experience to get close to nature and challenge yourself.

2. Climbing Itinerary Arrangement

Change equipment → Warm up by walking → Coach teaches climbing skills and safety knowledge → Climbing (wire bridge, cloud ladder, high-altitude suspension bridge, zip line) → Remove equipment → End of climbing.

Upon arriving at the Dongba Adventure Center, follow the coach’s guidance to change into climbing gear. As you walk along the path to the climbing starting point, this also serves as your basic warm-up. After reaching the starting point, the coach will explain and demonstrate the basic operations of climbing for about 5 minutes.

Once you learn the basics of climbing, a challenging climbing adventure begins! The entire climbing process primarily involves Via Ferrata climbing, with four exciting challenges added to increase the overall fun and challenge. Here, I’ll focus on these four exciting challenges.

Challenge 1: Wire Bridge

⌛ About 3 minutes

The difficulty increases as you progress along the route. After finishing a section of climbing the rock face, the wire bridge comes into view. This section is relatively friendly in terms of height, making it not too difficult to be a “tightrope walker.” In this challenge, the other two participants in the experience activity, like me, easily made it across.

Challenge 2: Cloud Ladder

⌛ About 2 minutes

Following the wire bridge is the cloud ladder. The cloud ladder is set at a position not too far from the bottom of the canyon. The steepness is estimated to be around 45%. As a climbing novice, I only needed to take one step at a time to easily pass this challenge. Here’s a small reminder: while climbing the cloud ladder, don’t get too excited and just keep moving forward. Always pay attention to the position of your safety hook and ensure it matches your steps.

Challenge 3: High-Altitude Suspension Bridge

⌛ About 8 minutes

As the name suggests, the high-altitude suspension bridge is set high above the ground. At this point, the distance from the ground is not specifically estimated, but it is enough to intimidate a climbing novice like me. Although this challenge has its difficulties, it’s not a problem for those who want to challenge themselves through climbing! After all, even as a climbing novice, I managed to successfully complete this challenge despite my trembling mindset.

Challenge 4: Zip Line

⌛ About 15 seconds

The zip line is actually the coolest challenge, but it also tests the participant’s mental strength the most. It can be said to be a challenge that combines speed and excitement. You have to be willing to let go of your inner restraints and believe that you can succeed in the challenge, which makes it relatively simple. However, after a long mental struggle, I succeeded in completing the challenge by trying to trust the coach.

After the zip line, there is a short section of steps to climb, and the entire climbing activity concludes. Letting go of yourself and forging ahead is the mindset one should have when challenging climbing. Originally thinking I was powerless, overcoming difficulties and succeeding brings about a sense of relaxation and is a great choice for balancing work and leisure. Besides the psychological benefits, the other reward is the beautiful scenery. As the saying goes, “Infinite beauty lies on the dangerous peaks,” with blue skies, white clouds, and hidden valleys in full view.

Climbing Tips

1. Preparation Before Climbing
   • Clothes: Wear suitable clothing for climbing. (If you don’t have professional climbing gear, wear leggings and a long-sleeve shirt.)
   • Shoes: The most important gear is shoes; wear suitable shoes for climbing. Avoid wearing slippers and casual shoes to prevent slips or discomfort.
2. Safety Knowledge Before Climbing
   • When climbing Via Ferrata, it is crucial to understand and implement safety knowledge.
   • Pay attention to safety ropes and ensure they are properly secured and connected.
   • Ensure you have a reliable safety harness and helmet before starting.
3. Follow the Coach’s Instructions
   • In climbing activities, do not ignore the coach’s advice. It is vital to follow the coach’s guidance for safety reasons.