In 2023, a refreshing trend has swept across China: young people are heading outdoors like never before! 🌟 Whether it's on social media chats or weekend plans, outdoor sports have become the talk of the town among China's vibrant youth.
According to a recent industry report, those born in the 1990s are leading the pack, making up 36.1% of outdoor sports enthusiasts, closely followed by the '80s kids at 32.5%. That's a lot of millennials and Gen Z embracing Mother Nature! 🌿
And get this: the first half of 2023 saw a whopping 79% year-on-year jump in outdoor sports-related orders. Compared to 2019, that's a staggering 221% surge! 🚀
On popular platforms like Xiaohongshu and Weibo, young adventurers are sharing their escapades daily. From adrenaline-pumping activities like sailing and off-roading to chill vibes of camping and city walks, there's something for everyone. And when winter rolls in, ice and snow sports steal the spotlight! ❄️⛷️
Take the Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort in Xinjiang, for example. Not the most famous spot, but it's drawing over 2,000 visitors daily! Why? Mild temperatures and amazing nearby tourist spots. Sounds like a hidden gem, right? 💎
Travelers like 32-year-old Li Peiling are venturing from far-off places like Guangdong Province to experience the magic. \"It’s my first time in Xinjiang,\" she said, excitedly hitting the slopes after discovering the resort on a live stream. 📺
To keep up with this outdoor craze, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been rolling out new tourism products featuring camping, ice and snow activities, and more. The government's action plan from 2023 to 2025 aims to boost facilities and services, making outdoor adventures even more accessible. 🏕️
They're not just focusing on the wild outdoors. Efforts are underway to build brisk walking trails and parks with sports facilities right in the city's heart, so everyone can sprinkle a bit of nature into their daily grind. 🌳🏃♂️
Cycling is also spinning into the spotlight! 🚴 According to a 2022 report, nearly 60% of China's cycling enthusiasts are between 18 and 40 years old. Plus, newbies are jumping on bikes, with beginners doubling from 2021 to 2022. Talk about a pedal-powered movement! 🔄
\"The rise in activities like running and cycling shows how China's sports infrastructure is opening up more space for outdoor fun,\" says Huang Jin from the General Administration of Sport of China. 🏟️
Outdoor sports used to be all about the extreme—but now, it's shifting towards leisure and enjoyment. This shift is turning outdoor activities into social hotspots for young people. 🎉
\"For me, outdoor sports aren't just about staying active; they're a way to meet new friends,\" shares 27-year-old Beijing-based internet worker, Gong Yifei. \"Being out in nature makes connecting with people so much easier!\" 🌈
She hangs out in outdoor sports groups online, chatting about the latest trends and planning meetups for fishing, hiking, or horseback riding. 🐟🥾🐎
And it's not just singles hitting the trails. Young parents are bringing their kiddos along, strengthening family bonds under the open sky. In 2022, families made up the largest group—38.3%—of those enjoying outdoor sports together, according to Mafengwo, a travel service platform. 👨👩👧👦
As outdoor sports become a lifestyle for many, the industry is set to soar. It's projected to reach a value of 3 trillion yuan (about $422.5 billion) by 2025! 💰💫
\"Outdoor sports have transformed 'going outside' into a lifestyle that embraces health, freedom, and a quest for spiritual peace,\" says Huang. Couldn't agree more! 🙏🌅
Reference(s):
Outdoor sports bring China's younger generation back to nature
cgtn.com
