The outdoor adventure boom is real! Over 400 million Chinese are now embracing outdoor sports, transforming rural landscapes and igniting new economic opportunities across the nation.
Local initiatives are blending cultural heritage, sports, and tourism to create high-quality outdoor destinations. This push follows a notice from government bodies like the National Development and Reform Commission and the General Administration of Sport, urging local efforts to cultivate fresh growth points.
Take Pengzhou in southwest Sichuan as an inspiring example. Leveraging its lush mountains and clear waters, Pengzhou is fast becoming an all-terrain sports hub featuring established activities such as paragliding and zip-lining, alongside emerging challenges like rafting, rock climbing, and rappelling. As villager Huang Xiaolong from Baoshan Village noted, "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." 🏞️
In the northwest, Jiuquan in Gansu is drawing increasing attention with its distinctive desert scenery. With epic endurance events set in the magnificent Gobi Desert, event organizer Qu Xiangdong remarked, "We are not just organizing an event; we hope to leave something meaningful for this land." 🚴
This vibrant trend not only fuels rural revitalization but also resonates with young adults and early professionals who crave adventure, sustainability, and innovative lifestyle experiences. Outdoor sports are proving to be a catalyst for reconnecting communities with nature and sparking dynamic growth.
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Over 400m Chinese embrace outdoor sports, driving rural growth
cgtn.com
