Hong Kong film ‘Project Alone’ follows climber’s epic three-peak link-up, rope solo and running challenge during Covid-19
- Paul Cheung Chi-fai rope solos three multi-pitch climbs in Hong Kong and runs between them as Covid-19 disrupts overseas adventures
- Devil’s Peak, Kowloon Peak and Lion Rock all feature in his 24-hour challenge
A new climbing film shows a Hongkonger’s epic adventure during the Covid-19 pandemic on three of the longest climbing routes in the city. Paul Cheung Chi-fai sets himself the challenge of climbing Devil’s Peak, Kowloon Peak and Lion Rock, and running between each of them, in under 24 hours.
To make it harder still, Cheung rope solos the routes. That means he is protected by a rope and gear, but is climbing alone so has to place all the protection himself. It is a tough skill and makes the endeavour exponentially more dangerous.
But in the pandemic, any chance of an overseas adventure has been derailed. He was forced to look closer to home. He dreamt up his three-climb link-up, which is reminiscent of ‘The Triple’, a famous challenge in Yosemite that links Mount Watkins, El Capitan and Half Dome for a total of about 2,133m of vertical climbing.
Cheung’s achievement is documented in the short film Project Alone. He first climbs The Fog Wall, on Devil’s Peak near Yau Tong. It is the longest multi-pitch sport climb in Hong Kong. He then runs to and climbs Sunset Crag on Kowloon Peak. Finally, he climbs Lion Rock, the most difficult route of the day.