Arc’Teryx officially launched China’s first 5.15b difficulty route – EL Gran Cabrón, at Shegeng Cave, Fengshan County, Guangxi Province. The new route represents the country’s first world-class climbing site.
Over 100 members from the global climbing community gathered for the opening, including the brand’s sponsored athletes, core route developers of the site, top climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
For over a decade, Spicy Dumpling (5.14d) in Yangshuo was China’s most challenging outdoor climb. The launch of EL Gran Cabrón is part of Arc’Teryx’s broader climbing site plan, initiated in 2024, to elevate Chinese climbing and bring it into deeper conversation with the global climbing culture.
Shegeng Cave, with steep limestone walls and dramatic karst formations, was chosen for its natural potential. Over a year, a joint team of six top Chinese climbers and nine leading European route developers established over 110 routes across the cave, from beginner 5.10s to elite lines above 5.12 and “the crown jewel, 5.15b.”
Image courtesy Arc’Teryx
