Paraglider Survives Miraculous 8598-Meter Ascent in China

A Chinese paraglider named "Six Brother" experienced a harrowing ordeal when a rare meteorological phenomenon, known as "cloud suction," lifted his paraglider to a breathtaking altitude of 8598 meters in the Qilian Mountains on May 24th, 2025. This unexpected ascent took him into the lower stratosphere, an altitude typically reserved for commercial airliners. Remarkably, despite the extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures and a lack of oxygen, "Six Brother" survived. He recounted his experience: "I felt the lack of oxygen, my hands were frozen outside, and I kept talking on the radio." His face was exposed to the elements, and his body was covered in ice when he finally landed. The incident is currently under investigation by authorities. While "Six Brother" holds a paragliding license, he failed to file a flight plan or obtain permission for his flight in the area. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in paragliding and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.