1 week ago
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SUMMARY
- Highliners performed on narrow lines stretched between Shenxianju’s granite peaks.
- Athletes battled strong winds while balancing hundreds of metres above the valleys.
- The 2026 event was the first official ISA Speed Highline World Cup stop at Shenxianju.
CHINA: Highliners took on a thrilling challenge above China’s Shenxianju cliffs on Wednesday, balancing on narrow lines suspended hundreds of metres above the valleys.
The athletes performed daring crossings between granite peaks in Taizhou, eastern China, as part of the 2026 Speed Highline World Cup.
Wind Tests Every Step
Li Liangpeng, one of the competitors, said strong winds can quickly turn a crossing into both a physical and mental challenge.
He explained that sudden gusts can catch an athlete’s clothes and make it difficult to stay balanced.
Li said the pressure can become overwhelming while standing high above the ground, but returning safely to the ground brings back his love for the sport.
Athletes balance above towering cliffs at China’s Shenxianju highline event.
Building Highline Skills
Fellow athlete Tang Xuan said highlining requires patience because the body needs time to adapt to the movement of the line.
He said beginners can often fall after taking only one or two steps.
According to Tang, the early stages can be frustrating, but athletes gradually develop muscle memory and instincts through practice.
First Official ISA World Cup Stop
Shenxianju has hosted highlining events among its dramatic cliffs for years.
The International Slackline Association held its 2026 Speed Highline World Cup at the site on September 29 and 30.
The event marked the 11th edition of the local highline challenge and Shenxianju’s first appearance as an official ISA Speed Highline World Cup stop.
Athletes once again took to the narrow lines, combining balance, concentration and speed high above the valleys.
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