CLIMBING HIGH IN SEARCH OF SELF

As the old mountaineering joke says, it's not the falling that hurts. It's hitting the ground. Which, of course, is why enthusiasts of mountain- and rock-climbing have safety in mind before all else. This is as fundamental to any equipment used as to ensuring that you are bodily and mentally fit before tackling any climb, especially those undertaken during winter. The right energy-producing foods and drinks are equally important.

China has produced many great climbers over the years, including a number of conquerers of Mount Everest. While these tended to be individuals with enough resources to finance themselves or even small expeditions, today's climbers are more and more quite ordinary people seeking adventure and a challenge they feel is worth confronting.

Enthusiasts often say they climb a mountain "because it is there- and in search of the strength of their inner self. For them, these challenges are justification enough. If you are of this mind, and wish to participate in what must rate as an X-Sport because of its inherent dangers, Beijing and its surrounds offer numerous artificial indoor a natural rock-climbing sites where you will discover if you are made of the Right Stuff. Go for it!

Capital Stadium Climbing Center
An indoor-climbing facility, this center offers six changeable routes on its 10-meter-high climbing wall. Four are vertical, the others overhangs. The total width of the wall is 15 meters. The center runs two "shifts- , from 9am-4pm and 4pm-10pm. Admission for adult individuals is 50 yuan, and for group members of 10 or more, 30 yuan. A one-hour practice costs 25 yuan.
Opening time: 9am; closing, 10pm.
Add: 54, Baishiqaio, Haidian District
Tel: 6833-5552, ext.8389.

Xidan Underground Culture Square
Open: 9am-6pm.
Admission: One hour ticket: 40 yuan per person; 10 yuan for each climb.
6, Xichang'san Jie, Xicheng District
Tel: 6606-3274.

Climbing Center, China Geology University
The center offers two climbing walls, indoor and outdoor.
Open: 3.40pm-6pm.(Mon.-Fri.): 9am-6pm. (Sat-Sun.)
Admission: 20 yuan per person, 10 yuan for students. Each climb costs an extra five yuan.
29, Xueyuan Lu, Haidian District.
Tel: 8232-2397

Yanqi Lake Paradise
Open: 9am-5pm.
Admission: 25 yuan per hour per person.
Yanqi Lake, Huairou County.
Tel: 6966-1696.

Phoenix Mountain
Services cover natural climbing expeditions.
Open: 8.30am-5pm.
Admission: 8 yuan.
Tel: 6245-5933, 6245-9492.

The Living Island Park
Open: 9am-5pm.
Admission: A package ticket costs 80 yuan for adults, 48 yuan for students. Each climb costs 23 yuan per person.
6, Hongluo Donglu, Huairou County.
Tel: 6068-1155, 6068-1166.