Braving the scorching heat of Shanghai, outdoor sports enthusiasts gathered by the Huangpu River over the weekend to showcase their rock climbing skills.

The Global Climbing Festival's Shanghai leg attracted 40 elite athletes from across the country to compete in speed races. Another 100 amateur rock climbers, aged between 7 and 13, joined the youth category.

This event featured an arched climbing wall for professionals and a smaller one for amateurs. As they climbed, they were greeted by the Lujiazui skyscrapers in the background. 

In addition to speed races, the event also featured a variety of activities suitable for participants of all ages. 

"For those who have never tried rock climbing, this sport may seem very distant from their lives," said Sun Bin, a renowned outdoor sports coach. 

"By setting up climbing walls at the iconic North Bund, the climbing festival will arouse curiosity for this sport," he said, adding that many people tried climbing the walls outside of the race times.

The Global Climbing Festival is organized by the outdoor brand The North Face and will be held in London and New York later this year.

Source: Xinhua News Agency