This venue has closed.
Perched on the second level of Hongkou Football Stadium’s Gate 21, Hengyi is not easy to find (follow posters to the spit ’n’ sawdust boxing gym next door), but at 1,500sqm, this is the second largest indoor wall in the city and is worth seeking out.
By day, the atmosphere is relaxed with instructors mooching around occasionally strumming on a guitar. At night, the space is teeming with teens. The facilities are not cutting-edge but they are safe and do the job. Branded climbing shoes, harnesses and pads are provided.
There is a modest weights gym in the attic, a slack wire to practice balance and a small mezzanine where you can study fellow climbers’ techniques. Despite the graffiti art and slacker feel the instructors are experienced professionals, some of whom have worked at the centre since it opened 13 years ago. Private tuition is available in English with trainer Yak. It’s also open 365 days a year.
40RMB/adult; 30RMB/student or child and in groups of ten or more people. Membership (including free use of the on-site lockers and showers): 1,600RMB/year, 1,000RMB/six months, 700RMB/three months.Tuition: 800RMB/five lessons (plus one month’s free climbing), or 1,200RMB/12 lessons (plus two month’s free climbing). Equipment rental: climbing shoes/5RMB, safety belt/10RMB. Classes available by arrangement. Advanced bookings advised.
