During peak travel times like China’s “Golden Week,” more and more tourists are incorporating physical activities such as hiking and cycling into their trips. Popular destinations like Hangzhou have become hubs for this trend, offering a perfect environment for outdoor activities. Resorts in scenic locations are adapting by blending sports into more traditional tourist amenities. These offerings range from mountain climbing to paddleboarding, drawing in active travelers looking for more than just relaxation.

For those who decide to stay closer to home, fitness centers and local community sports events can provide an active way to enjoy holidays. This shift finds many Chinese millennials and Gen Zs focusing on wellness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even during their leisure time.

A post by Xiaohongshu user 扣子一十六 (Kou Zi Yi Shi Liu), a former synchronized swimming champion who’s currently a graduate student, helps explain the appeal of active travel. In the caption for a vlog of a trip to Dali, Yunnan’s hub for stylish yet outdoorsy travel, the influencer wrote, “My way of traveling has reached the next level — combining my two greatest loves, sports + travel, makes everything twice as fun!” Her experience in Dali included paddleboarding under a bridge, rock climbing, and morning yoga with like-minded friends, along with more typical tourist activities like exploring the city’s old town and sampling local cuisine.

Travel companies have noticed this shift too. Online travel agency Ctrip, a major player in China’s travel industry, recently shared its suggestions for travelers seeking active experiences in a Xiaohongshu post with the title “I do declare! The travel style for athletes is already next level!” In the accompanying video, Ctrip highlighted a variety of travel activities, such as village basketball matches, mountain yoga, glacier hikes, and even paragliding over the Mediterranean. With options like these, they’re inviting tourists to “burn calories together” while exploring new places.

The growing enthusiasm for sports tourism ties into a broader cultural shift in China. Major sporting events like the Winter Olympics have inspired many to take interest in more active lifestyles. Meanwhile, increased government investment in public sports facilities, aimed at fostering a culture of fitness and well-being, is creating a supportive environment for this trend. 

This growing movement suggests that for many in China, the joy of travel is now accompanied by the pursuit of physical vitality.

Banner image via China Daily Hong Kong.