Wang Yibo climbs into a new role

Singer-actor Wang Yibo has returned for the second season of Exploring the Unknown with Wang Yibo, in which he unveils a new identity — a rock climber.

Produced by the Discovery Channel and co-presented by Tencent Video and Warner Bros., the outdoor reality show has been streaming on Tencent Video since Nov 28.

Guided by Oscar-winning director Jimmy Chin — also a professional mountain athlete — as his mentor, and accompanied by James Ryder Stroud, a highly skilled climbing guide, Wang embarked on a climbing road trip across North America, traveling more than 1,000 kilometers over six weeks. Together, they explored a wide range of climbing styles, including sport climbing, traditional climbing, aid climbing, deep-water soloing, and big-wall climbing.

The show's first season, which followed Wang as he joined six explorers on expeditions to six physically extreme destinations, received a rating of 9.8 out of 10 on Tencent Video.

Capturing emotional moments of Wang and fellow explorers conquering fear and pushing their limits, the first season won a Gold Telly at the 46th Annual Telly Awards — often regarded as the documentary industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

According to the producers, Wang chose rock climbing for the new season because he enjoys the feeling of "ascending upward" after several rounds of discussion with the documentary's creative team.

To prepare for the season, Wang underwent systematic training and practiced outdoors with a coach, learning safety knowledge and rope techniques. He also proactively studied the differences among various climbing disciplines, such as distinctions in gear usage and protection methods between sport climbing and traditional climbing.