Tree-climbing class takes root in Hubei

A tree-climbing class has grown popular among students at the Sport Institute of Hubei University, as more and more people are showing interest in learning the tricks of the trade for scaling timber.

At a class on November 22, Lu Junpei showed 16 students some of the most important techniques. After putting on a helmet, fastening straps and tying rope knots, Lu spent less than eight minutes reaching the top of a 25-meter tree.

Student Zhu Jinhan climbed up the trunk then jumped to a neighboring tree with the help of ropes, triggering bursts of applause.

"I grew up in an area with a lot of mountains and trees and I liked climbing trees since I was a kid," said Zhu, adding he is glad he could register for the class. Tree climbing is not only a sport but a way to help others, Zhu said.

Zhu once helped a baby owl back to its nest by climbing a tree, he added.

Because more and more students are showing interest, the school plans to add more seats to the class to allow more students to learn and practice, said Lu, who is also a member of the Enshi Blue Sky Rescue Team.

Hubei University is one of the first universities in China to include courses on tree climbing. Teachers and students at the university won two golds and two silvers at the Hong Kong Tree Climbing Championship in 2017.

Liu Kun contributed to the story.