Rock climbing, once confined to hardcore enthusiasts in China, is now gaining popularity among a diverse cross-section of Shanghai residents.
In Baoshan, a northern suburban district of Shanghai, a new 1,200-square-meter climbing complex is drawing enthusiasts with its professional-grade facilities.
The sprawling gym offers 1,500 square meters of climbing surface, but it is also integrating dedicated lifestyle and wellness amenities.
"In terms of our facilities here, we have an 18-meter climbing height, which is pretty rare. Right now, we have a lead climbing area and a bouldering area. Upstairs, there's also specialized training space. In the back, there are supporting facilities like restrooms, a yoga and stretching area, and a retail shop. As for climbing gear and equipment, we've got everything you need," said Jiang Yizhen, director of the Climbing Factory gym.
"The whole facility is really big and well-equipped. It covers all the common types of climbing, like bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing, which gives me a place to get in some pretty good training," a gym member said.
In 2016, rock climbing was officially confirmed as an Olympic sport, drawing widespread public attention.
"It came into the public eye. That got more people to pay attention to rock climbing as a sport, and then more people started to try it out and even stick with it," said a rock climber.
As of May 2026, there are 121 climbing gyms in Shanghai, marking a significant increase from 107 in 2024, according to data from the Shanghai Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association.
Among these climbing gyms, around a dozen or so are professional comprehensive facilities that include bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing areas. These broad offerings are a key driver of the sport's growing popularity.
"On weekdays, we usually get around 30 to 50 people. But on holidays, it gets pretty packed -- almost like we don't have enough space. The number of visitors could be anywhere from 100 to 200," said Jiang.
"Most of our visitors come on weekends, holidays, and during the summer and winter breaks. Between the two, summer break usually brings in more people than winter break," said Tang Jingbo, director of climbing gym Extreme Play.
Rock climbing gains mainstream grip in Shanghai
