Paraglider's Near-Death Cloud Plunge You Won't Believe What Happened!

A Paragliding Ordeal: Chinese Pilot Survives Unforeseen Ascent to Extreme Altitude

In a remarkable tale of survival against the odds, Chinese paraglider Peng Yujiang lived through a harrowing experience after being swept thousands of meters into the sky by a powerful updraft. The incident occurred above the majestic Qilian Mountains in Gansu Province, China, leaving Peng to battle freezing temperatures and disorienting conditions in the upper atmosphere.

The ordeal began on Saturday when Peng was testing a newly acquired paragliding harness. According to reports, a sudden gust of wind unexpectedly lifted him skyward, initiating his unplanned and dramatic journey.

Key Highlights of Peng Yujiang's Unbelievable Flight:

• Extreme Altitude: Peng soared to an astounding 8,598 meters (approximately 28,208 feet) above sea level.
• Oxygen Deprivation: He made the ascent without supplemental oxygen, facing the significant challenges of thin air and potential hypoxia.
• Icy Conditions: Amateur video footage revealed Peng's face and clothing covered in ice, a testament to the frigid temperatures he endured.

Peng recounted his experience to China Central Television (CCTV), describing the terrifying moment he was engulfed by cumulonimbus clouds. "I found myself surrounded by cumulonimbus clouds and trapped inside. It was terrifying — everything around me was white. Without the compass, I wouldn’t have known which direction I was heading," he explained.

Navigating the Storm
Despite the disorienting conditions and the risk of losing consciousness, Peng managed to maintain control of his paraglider using his compass and radio communication with his teammates. This was despite battling near-frozen and numb hands.
“As soon as I came out of the clouds, I was very excited because I had survived," Peng stated.

Experience Matters

It's worth noting that Peng is no novice. With over four years of paragliding experience and a certified B-level paragliding certification (requiring at least 20 days of flight experience), his knowledge and skills undoubtedly played a crucial role in his survival.

Lessons Learned

While visibly shaken by the incident, Peng expressed a sense of relief and gratitude for surviving the ordeal. When asked about his future plans, he stated, "I’m not sure about the future, but for now I definitely won’t fly for a while."

Peng Yujiang's incredible story serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme sports and the importance of preparedness and skill. His successful return to earth is a testament to human resilience and the will to survive even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Tags: Chinese paraglider, Gansu Province, Qilian Mountains, updraft, paragliding accident, extreme altitude, Peng Yujiang, cumulonimbus clouds, near-death experience, viral video, paragliding, survival story

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/asia/chinese-paraglider-survives-cctv-intl-latam