Cai Tongxing sends his regards to the people of his hometown in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province from Mount Qomolangma on May 22. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]
Cai Tongxing, a 58-year-old mountaineer from Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching the summit of Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest in the West, the world's tallest peak standing at 8,848.86 meters above sea level, on May 22. He became the second person from the city to accomplish this incredible feat.
In preparation for this monumental climb, Cai intensified his physical training two months before departing for Lhasa. His training regimen included running from the first floor to the 20th floor of an office building 10 times each morning, gradually increasing the difficulty by adding weight through sandbags on his feet and a weighted vest.
Upon arriving in Lhasa on April 7, Cai focused on thorough acclimatization training. By May 18, he had reached Camp 1 at an altitude of 6,500 meters, followed by Camp 3 at 7,790 meters on May 20. The day before the summit push, he reached the assault camp at 8,300 meters, preparing for the final ascent. At 2:00 am on May 22, Cai and his team began their summit push.
During the challenging final stretch from 8,300 to 8,848.46 meters, Cai persevered for six hours and 44 minutes, before finally reaching the summit. At 8:44 am on May 22, he successfully summited Mount Everest, adding to his impressive mountaineering achievements.
Previously, on Oct 7, 2017, Cai conquered Mount Chola Shan in Sichuan at 6,168 meters, followed by Muztagh Ata in Xinjiang at 7,546 meters on July 3, 2019, and Mount Cho Oyu in Tibet at 8,201 meters on May 16, 2022.
Cai, director of a private petrochemical sales company, attributed his success not only to favorable weather conditions but also to maintaining a stable psychological state, noting that he always adheres to philosophy of "Keep moving up, keep up with every step, and you will reach the summit". He underscores the importance of a positive and forward-looking mindset in both work and life, regardless of circumstances.
