Gotta hand it to him! Acrobatic adventurer climbs China’s most well-known mountains, balancing solely on his palms
A Chinese man has gone viral for climbing the country’s most famous mountains upside down.
Sun Guo Shan, 38, started practicing ‘handstand climbing’ in May 2023 after realising he wanted to improve his physical health.
Less than one year later, Shan decided to set himself the monumental challenge of climbing 50 of China‘s most popular mountains – using only his palms.
The 38-year-old, who comes from the country’s Shandong Province, went viral last year when a clip of him climbing upside down for more than 5000 ft to the peak of Wudang Mountain caused an internet stir in East Asia.
So far, Shan has climbed 34 of the 50 mountains he set out to conquer, including Mount Lajun, Mount Yunmen and Mount Wutai – a sacred Buddhist site more than 10,000 ft high.
After climbing the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain in Hunan, the adventurer said he had nearly fell 100 times.
Sun Guo Shan (pictured, right), 38, started practicing ‘handstand climbing’ in May 2023 after realising he wanted to improve his physical health
The 38-year-old, who comes from the country’s Shandong Province, went viral last year when a clip of him climbing more than 5000 ft to the peak of Wudang Mountain while upside down caused an internet stir in East Asia
The 38-year-old went viral last year when a clip of him climbing upside down for more than 5000 ft to the peak of Wudang Mountain caused an internet stir in East Asia
Shan has climbed 34 of the 50 mountains he set out to conquer, including Mount Lajun, Mount Yunmen and Mount Wutai (pictured) – a sacred Buddhist site with its peak more than 10,000 ft high
‘This is the 34th mountain I have challenged and also the most difficult mountain,’ he said.
‘It has made me fall nearly 100 times.’
When climbing Mount Lushan, Shan climbed more than 700 steps to get to Wulao Peak, which is 4700 ft above sea level.
It took him three hours to complete the challenge on Lushan, one of China’s most iconic mountain ranges which stretches 15 miles long and six miles wide.
Shan also said he was honouring some of China’s most ancient traditions by embarking on the challenge, and still has his eyes set on achieving the goal he laid out for himself.
‘Every Chinese person has a dream of martial arts in their heart,’ he added.
After climbing the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain in Hunan, the adventurer said he had nearly fell 100 times
When climbing Mount Lushan (pictured), Shan climbed more than 700 steps to get to Wulao Peak, which is 4700 ft above sea level
‘I want to use my special climbing method to complete the country’s 50 famous mountains this spring.’
Once he has completed his 50th full handstand climb, Shan is set to apply for a Guinness World Record and write his name into the history books.
The tradition of handstand climbing is said to have originated from India’s Mayur Chaal, also known as the ‘Peacock Walk’.
Rooted in ancient yoga, the walk is said to build core strength, balance and stamina in those who practice it.
Practitioners have said the practice, which is supposed to imitate how a peacock walks, also improves digestion and has other mental benefits.
