China is well-known for breathtaking natural landscapes. Due to an abundance of rocky cliffs, rock climbing is an increasingly popular sport in China.

While rock climbing is well-developed in Europe and the United States, Ola Pryzybysz from Ole Rock Climbing in Beijing admits it's a relatively new sport in China. "This sport is getting more popular in all countries," Pryzybysz explains. "In Europe, there are not enough rocks for everyone; I think China will be the same."

Beijing has several excellent rock climbing spots on its outskirts, including Baihe and Sidu. However, new rock climbers should train at an artificial wall before conquering real rocks.

There are several options for training in Beijing. Several universities have their own rock walls, Ritan Park has an outdoor rock wall, and the Ole sports complex in the city's southeastern section has indoor rock climbing facilities.

Opened two and a half years ago, Ole Rock Climbing center is the only year-round, privately-run rock wall in the city. The Ole complex has a host of other sports, including football, squash, fencing, basketball, yoga, and athletic classes for children.

The Ole rock climbing center is notable for its expertise. Ola Przybysz is the events manager at Ole Rock Climbing who has climbed for the Polish national team. She says all the belayers are experienced climbers and have studied first aid. A belayer is the person who controls the rope tied to the climber's equipment, ensuring the climber doesn't fall.

The center is selective about the equipment used, including the mat that spans one of their rock climbing rooms, a rare find in Asia. Because the mat is only one piece, it eliminates the possibility of injury from landing on the divide between two mats, a problem at other facilities. "We have not had any accidents so far in over 2 years," Przybysz explained.

The rock walls at Ole include a tall rock climbing wall, both vertical climbs and more challenging courses where climbers are secured with ropes and belayers and another room with a short wall for climbers to train without rope assistance.

The center has all equipment needed to become a trained rock climber, including strength and balance training aids. Trainers are available for individual sessions.

All levels of climbers are welcomed here. While several members of the Chinese national climbing team train here, casual climbers are warmly welcomed.

To spread popularity of the sport, Ole occasionally holds free classes and events for children. "Kids are most important for making this sport famous," Przybysz says.

Climbing equipment here is free, and shoes cost 10 yuan to rent. Entrance costs 50 yuan for unlimited climbing time, but significant discounts are given for buying one of various membership cards.

"Belayers are here for free. If you come in, and don't know anything about climbing, we'll let you climb," Przybysz says.