A century-old church in France has become a hub for indoor climbers after it was converted into a climbing facility in 2022.
Located in Paris, the former church was rebuilt by Climbing District, a training spot for climbing and exercising. The church-converted climbing gym has offered climbers unique experience in a rather unusual venue as popularity for rock climbing is growing.
"We are standing in an old chapel that dates back to the middle of the 19th century which was converted into a climbing wall in November 2022. So we went through seven months of works here, and today, we've got a wall of 13 meters' high. We welcome roughly 300 people every day," said Antoine, co-founder of the Climbing District. Debuting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, sport climbing is relatively new to the Olympics, yet it has become a favorite activity for millions around the world. There are two disciplines in Paris, namely speed-climbing up walls and a combined event of wall-climbing plus bouldering, which is performed on lower walls without a rope.
"It's a great place to make friends, and friends that have the same passion as you. So that's just awesome," said Kelly, a climber.
Starting to learn sport climbing about a year ago, Kelly has now become a sport climbing enthusiast.
"Even when I don't climb, I think about it, when I eat, when I sleep," she said, adding "I think about it all the time."
The ongoing 2024 Paris Olympic Games has reignited people's interest in the niche sport of climbing, with the host country also using this opportunity to encourage people to get more active as figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that almost half of women and 30 percent of men are physically inactive.
Church-converted climbing gym gains traction in France
Giant pandas at the Chongqing Zoo in southwest China celebrated the human beings' Mid-Autumn Festival with a gourmet treat as the furry animals eagerly gathered around to savor a special meal of fresh bamboo shoots made in the style of the festive pastry of mooncakes for human beings.
Fresh bamboo shoots from the Jinfo Mountain in Chongqing, a seasonal delicacy known as "square bamboo shoots," have made their way into the festive menu of the zoo's 23 resident giant pandas.
In one delightful scene, four adorable pandas -- Shuangshuang, Chongchong, Xixi and Qingqing -- gathered around a wooden table, each absorbed in peeling and devouring fresh bamboo shoots.
The giant pandas, with some sitting comfortably on small chairs, others lying leisurely on the ground, were busy peeling the bamboo shoots with ease and munching on the crisp and tender flesh.
In another playful moment, a giant panda waddled with excitement toward a bunch of bamboo shoots laid out on a swing. After reaching its prize, the panda flopped down on the ground, enjoying its treat with satisfaction. Soon, another panda approached, initially sitting on the ground to enjoy the bamboo shoots before climbing onto the swing to continue its feast.
Their fluffy faces, along with their playful behaviors, captivated the visitors.
"The giant pandas look so adorable when they are eating the bamboo shoots," said a visitor.
"These bamboo shoots provide a valuable source of energy and nutrition for giant pandas. And the square bamboo shoots are one of their favorite treats," said Yin Yanqiang, head keeper of giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo.
The Jinfo Mountain bamboo shoots are at their freshest during this time of the year, and the giant pandas, living in the mountainous city of Chongqing, are perfectly positioned to enjoy this seasonal gift from nature.
Giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo celebrate festival with gourmet treat
