The Climbers 2019

1960: First Everest ascent attempt and life-saving decision

In 1960, the Chinese mountaineering team attempts Everest from the North Face. Acting leader Fang Wuzhou faces a life-and-death decision between saving his teammate Qu Songlin or preserving the camera in Qu Songlin's hand. Fang chooses to save Qu, and the team reaches the summit, but the feat is not recognized by many in the international mountaineering community due to missing 360-degree photographic record.

Fang Wuzhou's infatuation with Xu Ying

Fang Wuzhou becomes infatuated with Xu Ying, a meteorology student who accompanies the expedition. Their budding relationship adds personal tension and foreshadows future collaboration between the team and Xu.

Cultural Revolution disrupts the Everest program

During the Cultural Revolution, the climbing team is disbanded, and many members disperse, derailing their Everest plans. The disruption erodes organizational continuity and delays any renewed ascent.

Early 1970s revival of the climb

In the early 1970s, the team regroups with renewed resolve to pursue Everest again. The revival sets the stage for a second bid to gain global recognition.

1975 regroup: a new generation takes the lead

By 1975, Fang Wuzhou and Qu Songlin lead a new generation of climbers, including Li Guoliang and Yang Guang. Xu Ying supports from the base with weather updates as Li Guoliang brings photography expertise and promises to capture compelling images.

Government backing and a base established

This time they have government and military backing, and a large base is established for the climbers. Xu Ying provides constant weather updates, guiding decisions and keeping the team informed of conditions.

Harsh conditions prompt caution

Despite careful planning, harsher weather and injuries threaten progress on the mountain. Tibetan monks advise against disturbing nature and urge the team to call off the climb, emphasizing respect for the mountain.

Improvise and endure a deadly windstorm

Under Fang's improvisation, the team presses ahead toward Second Step. A windstorm knocks over tents and ruptures Yang Guang's sleeping bag, leading to hypothermia and the loss of his leg.

Li Guoliang's plan to shorten the ascent

Facing the brutal pace of the climb, Li Guoliang devises a plan to summit within a reduced timespan. The plan aims to manage scarce resources and keep the group moving efficiently.

Second Step accident and Yang Guang's sacrifice

During the ascent, an oxygen cylinder hits Yang Guang, causing him to lose consciousness and drag the entire group toward a cliff. He wakes up at the last moment, hands his camera to the next climber, and sacrifices himself so the others won't fall.

Xu Ying dies at the summit

Xu Ying's weather reports continue to guide the climb, but she coughs blood and dies just as they reach the summit. The team plants the Chinese flag to celebrate their achievement and honor her contribution.