Beginners learn the basics of ice climbing.[Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]

But, challenging as it sounds, women do not seem to be put off.

Bu Jieru, 30, is an avid mountain climber who has conquered both Mount Haba in Yunnan province and Yuzhu Mountain in Qinghai province.

For Bu, ice climbing not only means hard physical training but also helps her stay focused.

"I enjoy spending a month doing nothing but concentrating on honing my skills so that I can keep both myself and my teammates safe," says Bu, who brought her dog to the competition site.

"Even if I make only a little progress, I still feel delighted."

For Beijing-based venture capitalist Hao Shuaifei, the sport has changed his mindset.

In the past, Hao, 27, spent a huge amount of time pondering the risk level of each investment, but ice climbing has made him more decisive.

"Now I know how to take things lightly," says Hao. "As long as I am interested, I will take the risk."

As the temperature dictates the type and quality of the ice, the unpredictable conditions challenge the climbers.

Chen Liji encountered two sudden blowouts, caused by fragile ice in Sichuan's Shuangqiaogou Trench. There was one time when he fell off a cliff and landed on a snow slope. Luckily, he did not injure himself.

But the dangers are part of the appeal when it comes to ice climbing.