China's youth embrace the great outdoors with gusto

Wu Qiong and a dozen friends reveled in the radiant autumn colors blanketing northern China. In just four hours, this young civil servant from Hebei province and her companions took on an 8-kilometer trail on Yudu Mountain in the suburbs of Beijing. Wu felt especially exuberant, as she had discovered a new weekend passion: hiking.

The adventure wasn't complete, however, until she shared it with the world. Back home, she posted breathtaking photos of the stunning mountain scenery, featuring herself clad in an Arc'teryx jacket and Salomon hiking shoes, leaning on her trekking pole. Only after sharing her journey on the lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu did she feel truly rewarded by the day.

Young Chinese, driven by a quest for healthy lifestyles, a desire to forge new friendships, and the influence of social media, are embracing outdoor sports with a passion. In turn, this burgeoning enthusiasm is fueling the expansion of the outdoor economy.