At 16, She Summited Everest—And Keeps Reaching New Heights

Meet the high school student Xu Zhuoyuan, the youngest Chinese to conquer Mount Qomolangma from the southern slope!

During her climb to the summit of Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, Xu Zhuoyuan faced numerous life-and-death challenges. She shared in the interview that these experiences taught her how to remain calm and persistent when confronting extreme difficulties. Addressing the stereotype that “women are too fragile for mountaineering,” Xu emphasized that she and many other female climbers are actively breaking this outdated misconception. Her message to adventurous girls everywhere: “We, too, belong on icy ridges and sunlit rock faces, showing the world our strength and grace. So claim your peaks, dear sisters, and revel in the boundless horizons ahead.”