Adventure travel grows in popularity among Chinese

Luo Hong, 52, founder of leading Chinese bakery chain Holiland, has journeyed to Africa 53 times, to the Arctic four times and the Antarctic twice, photographing wildlife and nature to raise public awareness of environmental protection.

When he first visited South Africa in 2001, the locals asked him: "Are you Japanese?" They were shocked when he answered he came from China as few Chinese tourists visited Africa at that time.

Things are different now. "This year, when I had a meal in a barbecue restaurant in Kenya, the locals sang the popular Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower in Chinese. I was very happy," he recalled.

Luo opened a personal photography museum in Beijing in 2016, which has received around 15 million visitors. His adventurous journeys have taken him through many dangerous places and extreme climates, but he never stopped.

Han said: "Seeking adventure is one of the best ways to satisfy people's spiritual needs. The popularization of adventure travel reflects China's improved national strength and people's better life.

"With a more affluent life, a growing number of Chinese will be keen to chase thrills the world over."

Xinhua