Outdoor adventures are on the rise in the Chinese mainland, with over 400 million people getting in on the action. From serene mountain hikes to adrenaline-packed activities like paragliding, rafting, and rock climbing, the outdoor sports boom is not just a trend—it’s a lifestyle revolution! 🌄🚵
Several government departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the General Administration of Sport, recently issued a notice urging local governments to build high-quality outdoor sports destinations. This initiative is tapping into the immense potential of merging cultural, sports, and tourism resources to spark new economic growth in rural areas.
Take Pengzhou in southwest Sichuan Province, for instance. Blessed with lush mountains and clear waters, Pengzhou is transforming into an all-terrain sports hub. The region offers classic activities such as paragliding and zip-lining, while also embracing emerging adventures like rafting, rock climbing, and rappelling. Villager Huang Xiaolong from Baoshan Village shared his excitement: "In the past, our outdoor activities were quite traditional, mainly hiking. Now, with the development of outdoor sports, there are many more projects available. As a result, many young villagers are returning home to work."
Further north in Jiuquan, northwest Gansu Province, the distinctive desert landscape and epic endurance events in the Gobi Desert are drawing outdoor sports enthusiasts eager for a challenge. As event founder Qu Xiangdong remarked, "We are not just organizing an event; we hope to leave something meaningful for this land."
This surge in outdoor sports is not only energizing local economies but also fostering a deeper connection with nature. It’s a win-win for adventure seekers and local communities alike!
Reference(s):
Over 400m Chinese embrace outdoor sports, driving rural growth
cgtn.com
