What was meant to be a routine paragliding flight for Chinese pilot Peng Yujiang quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal — and an accidental record-breaking achievement.

Peng launched from Mount Qilian, expecting a standard flight. But a sudden, violent updraft carried him far higher than planned — soaring over 5,000 meters beyond his intended altitude, reaching a height even higher than Everest Base Camp.

With his camera capturing every moment, Peng faced extreme conditions:

Sub-zero winds howling around him
Brutal temperatures of -40°C
Severe frostbite affecting his face and hands
Even as his body lost sensation and the cold threatened his very survival, Peng fought to maintain control of his paraglider. Miraculously, he managed to land safely, alive after pushing the limits of human endurance.

Yet, his record-setting flight came at a cost. Local authorities suspended him for six months, citing negligence in anticipating the dangerous weather conditions.

Peng’s adventure became more than just a world record — it was a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the fragility of human life when faced with forces beyond our control.

Sometimes, the sky doesn’t just test your courage — it humbles you.