Fresh from the field in Liming, Western Aussie Logan Barber has just yesterday sent what is now the hardest trad route China – The Firewall.

On his 22nd burn Logan clipped the chains on The Firewall Project just as the early morning sun struck the rock and the eponymous stone blossomed a brilliant red.

High up on the proud Flying Buttress, the crack fractures a glorious sweep of sandstone, starting 60m off the deck with an off-width before tightening into ring locks then rattly fingers at the crux as the wall kicks back to 30 degrees.

Of the grade Logan says, ‘It’s definitely harder than Air China (the previous hardest Chinese trad route at bottom 5.13d/31). It suited me perfectly so I’m not sure about the grade and crack grading is tough. Hard 5.13d/31 at least, maybe 14a/32. This is definitely my best FA.’

Liming is often compared to the U.S.A.’s Indian Creek, though Logan reckons this route is something special again, ‘Where in the world do you find an unclimbed perfect splitter in a proud position on immaculate sandstone that is overhanging!?’

‘The name also references The Great Firewall of China, it blocks Google and everything and is impenetrable. Was impenetrable.’

Logan flew back to China especially for the project and was captured by China-based photographer Garrett Bradley. Stay tuned for the footage which VL can confirm will be pants-fillingly awesome – all-killer, no-filler.

Book your tickets for the second ascent.

Simon Madden

Logan is sponsored by Kailas.

To see more of Garrett’s photos go here. To read about Logan’s blog go here.

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