Sports fans take to the great outdoors again

Climbers, hikers keen to protect environment

With COVID-19 cases largely under control in China in recent months, outdoor sports fans have seized the chance to embrace fresh air and natural beauty with their families and friends.

Be it hiking, climbing or even risky forays to snow-covered mountains, these enthusiasts believe that safety and environmental protection are important factors in such activities.

According to the annual China Hiking Tourism Development Report released in March, hiking is the country's most popular outdoor activity, as it involves encounters with nature and helps with mental and physical health.

The report said the most-searched cities for "hiking" were Shanghai; Beijing; Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong province; and Chengdu, Sichuan province. Many hiking fans journey to venues with friends, clubs and travel agencies.

Their most popular destinations last year were the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the Tibet autonomous region and Qinghai province. Hikers spent the most on transportation, accommodations and equipment, with outlays ranging from 1,000 yuan ($155) to 10,000 yuan.

Li Xinjian, dean of the School of Tourism Management at Beijing International Studies University, said: "It's good that fans of outdoor activities attach great importance to responsible travel, which is conductive to environmental protection. It's also essential that visitors obey such unwritten rules for mass tourism.

"Safety is key to outdoor activities. You should never take a risk and should prepare well by using your ability and knowledge, by joining professional clubs and taking out insurance cover."

Li said the country's outdoor tourism rescue system should be improved by setting up more professional teams.

Wang Meng, 34, a mountaineering guide from Beijing, is pleased he successfully turned his hobby into a full-time occupation.

Like many of his peers, he has made numerous friends and even met his wife through climbing.

Wang used to work for a State-owned enterprise, which is considered a job for life in China. However, he wanted a different experience after developing a love for outdoor sports.