The height of endeavor

These precious moments are recorded in a documentary, To the Summit, which recently opened in movie theaters nationwide.

"I hope viewers will learn more about Qomolangma and the spirit of climbing-banish their fear of the difficulties, and march forward bravely," he says.

"Even if I failed that time, I would have tried for a sixth or seventh time until I reached the summit, persisting until I could no longer climb."

Those who plan an attempt on the summit of Qomolangma, he believes, have to be in awe of nature and realize that it's a venture fraught with peril. They should also be aware of their physical condition and prepare for every eventuality.

The documentary is produced by actor Wu Jing and director Guo Fan, who were moved by Xia's relentless spirit and perseverance.

"Xia has dedicated his whole life to one dream, and that's a distinctive quality that filmmakers should have," Wu says.

In 2019, Wu, alongside fellow A-lister Zhang Ziyi, played a leading role in the movie, The Climbers, which features two generations of Chinese mountaineers who scaled Qomolangma from the north side in 1960 and 1975.