Paraglider Survives Terrifying 8,598-Meter Ascent in Chinese Mountains

A Chinese paraglider, Peng Yujiang, experienced a terrifying ordeal when an unexpected updraft propelled him to an altitude of 8,598 meters in the Qilian Mountains. The incident occurred on an unplanned test flight using secondhand equipment. At that altitude, temperatures plummeted to -40°C, and oxygen levels were critically low. Peng recounted his experience, stating, "I felt like I was being sucked into the sky. It was terrifying, but I had to stay calm." Despite suffering from hypothermia and hypoxia, he managed to maintain radio contact with a friend and eventually landed safely, albeit 33 kilometers from his starting point. The incident highlights the dangers of paragliding and the importance of proper safety precautions. Chinese authorities suspended his paragliding license for six months for operating without authorization. Peng's incredible survival story serves as a reminder of human resilience in the face of extreme adversity.