Guiyang hosts IFSC Climbing World Cup 2025

On Sept 12, the International Federation of Sports Climbing (IFSC) Climbing World Cup Guiyang 2025 was held in Guanshanhu district, Guiyang, attracting 68 athletes from 14 countries.

The event's opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account of Guiyang Foreign Affairs Office]

As the only Olympic level climbing venue located in the center of a city and integrated with a park, Guizhou Caihu International Climbing Center impressed the athletes with its ecological sports landscape.

Situated within the Guanshanhu Park, the city's green lungs spanning 5,500 mu (366.67 hectares), the venue has come under the spotlight because of "rock walls in the park which nestles in the city".

Laurel Melton, coach of the United States climbing team, said that although she would be returning home after the competition, she was impressed by the beautiful scenery of Guiyang while touring near the competition venue. "This place is very beautiful, and I hope to visit Guiyang again in the future and explore more of the city!"

Athletes in the competition. [Photo/WeChat account of Guiyang Foreign Affairs Office]

Unlike first-time visitors, Kazakh athlete Damir Toktarov is already familiar with Guiyang, having participated in the IFSC Climbing Youth World Championships 2024 and this year's Asian Youth Championships. "I like Guiyang. The people here are friendly and I also love the natural environment here," Toktarov said, going on to explain that visiting Guiyang multiple times has given him a deeper emotional attachment to the city.

Christophe Billon, event representative of the IFSC, said that Guiyang has excellent hardware facilities, abundant natural resources, profound cultural heritage, and efficient organizational capabilities, and that the IFSC looks forward to establishing a deeper cooperation with Guiyang.

This international event is not only a stage for sports competition, but also a window to showcase the image of Guiyang. The charm of "Cool Guiyang" is spreading further through the praise of athletes and guests from various countries.