The Limestone of Yangshuo, China

The always on the go, Austrian climber and photographer, Gerhard Schaar focused (literally) on the crags and scene, and spent time hanging with the local climbers from Yangshuo in the Fall of 2007. "They are so funny. Very helpful and generous. I was overwhelmed!", says the restless Austrian. "Most of them came to Yangshuo from other parts of China, because it is probably the only place with an international climbing scene in their home country. Here they find work in the field of climbing, as an instructor, climbing coach or as an office employee. They meet people from all over the world, learn English and are embedded in a very tolerant and open minded environment. Of course this resembles a very unique opportunity in a country like China!"

With about 20 different crags, and about 400 routes, all no further away than a 30 minute mini-bus drive, Yangshuo is the biggest climbing area in China. The rock is limestone, and there are as many as 70,000 Karst towers scattered throughout the region with a small size of only 70 square miles. This is one of China's most picturesque places, which makes the city of Yangshuo one of the top tourist destinations as well. And watch out: It can be a true ants nest during the main season.

For more information about climbing in Yangshuo, China (and many other exotic locations) Gerhard's website www.gerhardschaar.com CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the climbing in Yangshuo, China by Gerhard Schaar.