Social Media Digest

Easy outdoor escapes

Is lugging around several kilograms of camping gear or trekking with poles and a rain jacket the only way to enjoy the outdoors? Young people in China are saying otherwise.

A new trend of outdoor activities has recently gained popularity among young people on Chinese social media.

Instead of investing in pricey gear or challenging themselves with mountain hikes, they are choosing to unwind in local parks, soak up the sunshine, or stroll through lively streets — redefining the concept of outdoor leisure as simply stepping outside.

"I'm not fixated on having top-tier equipment or capturing perfect photos; as long as it's cozy, I can appreciate nature anywhere — whether on a hill, on the grass, or at the beach," a netizen shared in a short video of himself relaxing on a park lawn, posted on the Chinese lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu.

Cycling, once beloved by outdoor enthusiasts, has also seen a shift among Chinese youth. On social media, popular cycling posts highlight a new interpretation of the activity: the joy of cycling isn't tied to expensive equipment.

Many of these posts showcase young people exploring cities on shared bikes rather than riding high-end road bikes or bragging about speed on mountain trails.

"Some aim for great heights, while others find pleasure wandering around a park," one Xiaohongshu user commented.