Climbing has recently become more popular among young people in China thanks to social media platforms. Facilities at the Muztagh Ata base camp have also been upgraded. In the near future, a dedicated town with an estimated investment of 110 million yuan is set to break ground to enhance services and facilities.

As more and more youngsters get involved in the sport, Li is thrilled but remains cautious.

"Without the short videos on social media, mountaineering wouldn't be this popular. But the sport requires respect for life and nature," he says. "Muztagh Ata poses significant challenges in terms of hypoxia, intense UV radiation and low temperatures."

As a native of Xinjiang, Li hopes the region's climbing resources will be fully utilized to inspire more people to take up the sport.

"Xinjiang has plentiful options but it is not at the forefront of popularizing mountaineering. Compared to wealthier provinces and cities in the east, fewer people here participate in the sport," he says. "Even if one day I'm no longer able to continue working in the mountains, I will be happy to see others take up the mantle."

Xinhua