In 2016, Xue Wei (Center) brought a flag with the words "Pingtan China Summiting the World" to the top of Mount Zhumulangma. [Photo provided by the interviewee]

Fujian climber Xue Wei from Pingtan, known for being the first person in the province to conquer Mount Zhumulangma, is embarking on a new journey. After a considerable gap, he is venturing to Seattle, USA, to join international mountaineers in ascending Mount Rainier, in commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the "Peace Climb."

The initiative, spearheaded by Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Zhumulangma, and Wang Shi, the oldest Chinese climber to conquer the peak, will witness mountaineering enthusiasts from both China and the United States come together for the "Peace Climb" on July 19. The expedition to Mount Rainier will commence on July 20, culminating in a summit attempt on July 21.

2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the first successful human ascent of Mount Zhumulangma and the 20th anniversary of the initial Chinese civilian climbers' triumph. This year holds profound significance for avid climbers worldwide. Xue Wei, among many others, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This grassroots endeavor serves as a platform for fostering friendship and expressing our collective desire for global peace through the medium of mountaineering. It carries immense significance."

Having conquered numerous peaks during his over two decades of climbing experience, Xue Wei has already accomplished five stations in the "7+2" mountaineering challenge. Mount Rainier, an active volcano and the highest peak in the western United States at 4,391 meters, falls into the category of a "technical peak" for this seasoned mountaineer. Xue Wei elaborated, "Though its altitude is comparatively lower, the terrain is intricate, and the technical difficulty is higher." He emphasized the challenges posed by icy routes and crevasses, necessitating thorough research and preparation to ensure a safe ascent.

Joining Xue Wei on this remarkable endeavor is another passionate climber from Pingtan, Lin Haiyan, who has already conquered Yuzhu Peak and Wukuchu Peak. Lin Haiyan shared her aspirations, saying, "I long to climb and push my limits, to witness the awe-inspiring scenery from the summit and forge a deep connection with the mountains." As a symbol of awareness for Pingtan, Lin Haiyan has brought a banner imprinted with the words "Pingtan, China."

Xue Wei and Lin Haiyan have now arrived in Seattle and are diligently preparing for the upcoming climb.

About Peace Climb

On May 7, 1990, after nearly three years of meticulous planning, mountaineers from China, the Soviet Union, and the United States formed a joint expedition that successfully reached the summit of Mount Zhumulangma. The flags of the three nations fluttered side by side at the world's highest peak as climbers jubilantly waved beneath them. This historic climb, known as the Peace Climb became etched in the annals of history.

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