While most people struggle to hike mountains using their legs, 38-year-old Sun Guo Shan has taken on an extraordinary challenge—climbing China’s most famous peaks entirely on his hands.
Sun, who previously worked in the education sector, began training for handstand climbing in May 2023. Inspired by the importance of physical fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic, he set out on a mission to scale 50 of China’s most renowned mountains by spring 2025, hoping to promote health and honour his country’s breathtaking landscapes.
His challenge began in May 2024, but he only gained widespread recognition in November 2024 after a video of him ascending Haibat, the highest peak of Wudang Mountain at 1,612 meters, went viral
“Every Chinese person has a dream of martial arts in their heart,” Sun said. “I want to use my special climbing method to complete the country’s 50 famous mountains this spring.”
In December 2024, he completed one of his most difficult climbs—scaling the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. The gruelling ascent took him five hours, during which he fell nearly a hundred times.
“This is the 34th mountain I have challenged and also the most difficult one,” Sun said after reaching the top.
With just 16 mountains left to conquer, Sun aims to complete his mission this spring and submit his achievement for a Guinness World Record. His dedication and endurance continue to inspire people across China and beyond.
