Preface

As a 90s generation outdoor sports enthusiast, I've experienced outdoor activities around the world, from the remote Himalayas to the vast Atlantic Ocean, having countless memorable adventures. In recent years, I've noticed more and more young people becoming passionate about outdoor sports, not just simple hiking and mountaineering, but various professional-level outdoor activities. Outdoor sports videos on Xiaohongshu and Douyin regularly receive hundreds of thousands of likes, showing how this outdoor sports trend has swept through the entire young generation.

Are you also frequently inspired by various outdoor sports videos? Do you want to try it but worry about lack of experience and don't know where to start? Today, let me, as an experienced player, tell you in detail just how amazing these currently popular outdoor sports are.

Land Sports

Hiking and Mountaineering

Hiking and mountaineering can be considered entry-level activities in outdoor sports. I remember my first trek in Nepal - when I stood beneath Annapurna, I was so overwhelmed by the snow-capped mountains that I was speechless. That feeling of being surrounded by mountains, feeling as small as dust, made me fall completely in love with this sport.

Young people today are increasingly focused on quality of life and personal experiences, which has brought unprecedented development opportunities for hiking and mountaineering. In 2023, the global hiking travel market size exceeded $150 billion, nearly 40% growth compared to 2020. By 2025, this figure is expected to continue climbing to $200 billion. In China, just the two famous hiking routes of Four Sisters Mountain and Gongga Mountain attract over 500,000 outdoor enthusiasts each year.

As someone who frequently guides beginners, I especially recommend that novices start with low-altitude routes around cities. For example, the Jiankou Great Wall near Beijing, known as "the most beautiful section of the Great Wall," has moderate difficulty and stunning scenery. Moganshan near Shanghai is famous for its unique bamboo forests and fresh air. These routes are not only suitable for beginners to practice but also allow you to experience different natural landscapes.

I remember taking my cousin hiking at Jiankou Great Wall for the first time. The weather was particularly good that day, with blue skies and white clouds offering excellent visibility. Although she rarely exercises, under my guidance, she properly managed her pace and energy, eventually completing the entire journey successfully. Seeing her excitedly taking photos at the Great Wall's highest point, I knew she had fallen in love with this sport too.

Besides these classic routes, there are many other great hiking destinations in China. For example, the Yubeng hiking route at Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan allows you to admire the majestic sacred mountain up close; the hiking trails of Daming Mountain in Zhejiang let you experience Jiangnan scenery among bamboo forests and streams. As hiking becomes more popular, various routes of different difficulty levels have been developed across the country to meet the needs of players at different levels.

Cycling Adventures

Speaking of the outdoor sport that fascinates me the most, it has to be cycling. I still remember cycling in Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flat, known as the "Mirror of the Sky" - the world's largest natural mirror. Imagine riding a bicycle across pure white salt crystals, with the blue sky and white clouds reflected beneath your feet, as if cycling through the sky - this unique experience remains unforgettable.

According to the latest data from professional survey institutions, the global bicycle tourism market size reached $80 billion in 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region showing the most rapid growth at an annual rate of 15%. In China alone, over 3 million people participated in long-distance cycling activities in 2023. This number nearly doubled from the previous year, showing just how strong the development momentum of cycling is domestically.

My first long-distance cycling trip was from Chengdu to Lhasa, covering over 2,000 kilometers in 20 days. National Highway 318, known as the "Sky Road," is a holy land for many cycling enthusiasts. Along the way, I experienced the misty rain of Ya'an, the snow-capped mountains of Kangding, and the grasslands of Xinduqiao - each section is unforgettable. I remember cycling on the plateau at over 4,000 meters altitude; although the oxygen was thin, looking at the distant snow-capped mountains made all fatigue disappear.

Now there are increasingly diverse cycling routes in China. Besides the traditional Sichuan-Tibet route, there's the Yunnan-Tibet route and the Duku Highway in Xinjiang, among others. Each route has its unique scenery and challenges. For instance, the Duku Highway, known as "China's Most Beautiful Road," traverses the Tianshan Mountains with snow-capped peaks, grasslands, canyons, and the Gobi Desert along the way - it's like a condensed geographic documentary.

However, as someone with experience, I recommend new cyclists start with shorter routes nearby. For example, the Huairou Reservoir loop in Beijing or the Chongming Island circuit in Shanghai - these routes have moderate difficulty, beautiful scenery, and are perfect for beginners. Once your fitness and skills improve, you can try those more challenging long-distance routes.

Choosing cycling equipment is also important. I've seen many beginners buy poor quality equipment to save money, only to encounter frequent problems on the road. A good bicycle isn't cheap - entry-level road bikes or mountain bikes cost at least 3,000-5,000 yuan, but it's a worthwhile investment. Of course, if you're unsure whether it's right for you, you can rent first. Many cities now have professional bicycle rental services, allowing you to experience cycling at a low cost.

Water Sports

Still Water Experience

If you think land sports aren't exciting enough, water sports will definitely satisfy your adventure cravings. I'll never forget my first diving experience in the Maldives - when I dove into the azure Indian Ocean and saw the colorful corals and tropical fish schools, it felt like entering a whole new world.

According to diving industry association statistics, about 1 million people globally obtain diving certifications each year, with China's certification numbers growing particularly rapidly at 30% annually. This shows how increasingly more young Chinese are falling in love with this sport. I remember meeting many 90s and 00s generation young people during my OW (Open Water) certification course - they were all full of curiosity and yearning for the ocean.

Speaking of diving meccas, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is a must-mention. It has over 1,500 fish species and 400 types of hard corals, making it the world's largest coral reef system. When I dove there, I saw massive humpback whales and swam with sea turtles - that feeling of close encounters with marine life was truly amazing.

However, for beginners, I suggest starting with snorkeling. Snorkeling doesn't require professional certification, and the equipment is relatively simple - just a mask, snorkel, and fins. Sanya and Weizhou Island in China are great snorkeling spots. Once you're more confident in the water, you can consider getting a diving certification and trying deeper dives.

Choosing diving equipment is also crucial. A basic diving set (including mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit) costs about 3,000-5,000 yuan. Although it seems like a significant investment, it's best to choose equipment from reputable brands for safety. Of course, beginners can rent equipment from diving centers first and consider buying their own equipment once they're committed to the sport long-term.

Besides diving, kayaking is also a very popular water sport. I've kayaked in Banff National Park in Canada - the feeling of being surrounded by mountains on the emerald Lake Louise was truly stunning. In China, places like Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou and Li River in Guangxi are perfect for kayaking. This sport is relatively safe, suitable for the whole family, and lets you appreciate scenery from a different perspective.

Rapids Adventure

If you're the thrill-seeking type, you can't miss white water rafting. I've experienced rafting on the Zambezi River, known as the "Devil's River" with world-class rapids. The feeling of the raft navigating through turbulent waters, being hit by massive water flows, really gets your adrenaline pumping. About 50,000 adventurers come here to challenge themselves each year, showing its great appeal.

However, for beginners, I recommend starting with relatively gentle river sections. China's Li River is perfect for beginners, with gentle currents and beautiful karst landscape views along both banks. The Dadu River is also a good choice - although it has some rapids, they're within manageable limits. I remember taking friends rafting on the Li River for the first time - they were nervous at first but gradually relaxed and started enjoying the rafting experience.

Choosing rafting equipment is also important. Besides basic life jackets, you need waterproof bags and sun protection gear. Although most rafting spots provide basic equipment, if you frequently participate in rafting, it's recommended to prepare your own set. Life jackets, in particular, must meet safety standards.

Outdoor Equipment

When it comes to outdoor sports, we must discuss equipment. The global outdoor sports equipment market reached $400 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at 8% annually over the next five years. This number shows that more and more people are starting to value the quality and functionality of outdoor sports equipment.

I often see beginners buying lots of high-end equipment right away, which isn't necessary. I suggest renting equipment first to experience it, then investing in purchases once you're sure you like the sport. Many outdoor sports clubs now offer equipment rental services at reasonable prices.

For equipment you must buy yourself, like hiking boots and backpacks, always choose reliable brands. I've seen too many people buy poor quality equipment to save money, only to encounter problems during activities. I remember meeting a fellow hiker whose boot sole came off in the mountains - he had to tie it with rope to get down, which was really dangerous.

Safety Advice

Although outdoor sports are exciting and fun, safety always comes first. According to outdoor rescue organization statistics, 90% of outdoor accidents are caused by insufficient preparation. So before participating in any outdoor sport, thorough preparation is essential.

First, understand your physical condition and don't force yourself to participate in activities beyond your capabilities. Second, plan your route well, including checking weather forecasts and understanding road conditions. Finally, prepare adequate supplies and first aid items.

I recommend beginners go with experienced players or professional guides. This way you can learn a lot of experience and it's safer. Many outdoor clubs now provide beginner teaching services - consider joining their activities.

Closing Thoughts

Through years of outdoor sports experience, I deeply feel that outdoor sports isn't just a form of exercise but a lifestyle. It teaches us how to interact with nature, how to challenge ourselves, and how to maintain courage in the face of difficulties.

Every sunrise viewed from a mountain top, every dance with fish schools underwater, every ride through the wilderness lets me feel life's beauty. This feeling is hard to experience in city life. So if you want to try a different life, why not start with a simple outdoor activity? I believe you'll fall in love with this challenging and surprising lifestyle just like I did.

Are you ready to start your outdoor sports journey? Let's explore nature together and create our own amazing stories!