Legless Shenzhen calligrapher Huang Jianming ascended the Great Wall yesterday morning, proving again that determination and self-belief can conquer all odds.

Using a self-made trolley, Huang climbed up to "Brave Man's Slope," the highest place in the Badaling section of the Great Wall with an altitude of more than 888 meters, in under three hours. Huang's wife Wang Jinrong and four of their friends from Beijing accompanied Huang in the ascent.

"Huang climbed altogether 1,055 steps, covering 3.7km from 8:15 to 11:03 a.m., and spent one hour going down from the 'Brave Man's Slope,'" said Wang.

"I want to prove to myself and others that I can do anything that a normal person can do, only by paying more efforts," said Huang, who calls himself "half man."

"Meanwhile, when people with normal body see what I have done, they will be encouraged to achieve more, and enjoy life more."

It was the second time Huang had climbed the Great Wall. The first occasion was in 1999.

After reaching the top of the wall, he completed three calligraphic works to commemorate his ascent, entitled "You are the miracle," "The road is under the feet," and "climbing onto the top of the mountain, I am the summit."

Climbing the Great Wall was no easy job for Huang. Some of the steps were too high, so a friend offered to carry him part of the way, but Huang declined. While people suggested he descend by cable car, Huang insisted on using his hands to climb down. When the slope was too steep, Huang would advance using only one hand, with the other hand holding the guardrail.

Huang's feat was watched by many. Onlookers cheered for him. When he reached the "Brave Man's Slope," many tourists told him: "You are the real hero!" Foreign tourists witnessing the scene gave him thumbs-up signs in admiration.

A couple climbing the Great Wall asked Huang to take a picture with their little boy. "We hope he can be as strong as Huang when he grows up," the little boy's father, surnamed Wang, said.

Editor: Yan