New frontier of youth travel

Above: Zhang Chongling in front of the Potala Palace in Xizang autonomous region. Right: Wang Yanling (left) and Wang Yanfei sit with their dog in Rongcheng, Shandong. CHINA DAILY

Journey redefined

In addition to seeking new destinations, young travelers are also shifting away from group tours organized by traditional travel agencies, opting instead for personalized experiences with like-minded peers.

Wang Min, 25, a master's student at Shanghai University, often travels alone because her friends live in different places and are busy with their jobs. However, after joining several youth-focused travel groups, Wang connected with many people who shared similar interests.

"You can find many of these groups on Xiaohongshu, ranging from those organized by travel agencies to user-created ones," she explained, adding that these groups cater to various interests, from general travel to specific activities like hiking or cycling.

"From my experience as a team leader, about half of the young people in my groups travel on their own," said Jiang Xiaoqin, a member of the marketing team and a former team leader at 54Traveler, a company focused on youth travel.

Founded in 2007 by a couple who had led a student travel club at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics during their college years, 54Traveler has since focused on providing travel experiences for young people.

While some tours may include participants up to 65 years old, most standard tours target those aged 20-45, with special routes designated for 16-28-year-olds. "Our groups are typically limited to 20 people," Jiang said.

Even for the same destination, activities are tailored to different age groups. For example, the youth route for Jeju Island in South Korea includes sunrise views, hiking, and cycling, while the standard route offers less physically demanding options.

Traveling with new acquaintances her age allowed Wang Min to form genuine connections and lasting friendships. She remains in touch with several people she met on her trips.

Unlike Wang Min, who seeks human connections through travel, 29-year-old Wang Zihao explores the bond between people and nature.

Wang Zihao is a travel vlogger and tourism ambassador for Shannan city in Xizang autonomous region.

In September 2023, he joined a unique scientific exploration of the Lancang River's source in China. Organized by Chinese National Geography, a publication focused on geographic science popularization, and a scientific media platform, the expedition involved wildlife tracking, water sample collection, and learning about the river's history from scientists.

Although the remote locations were far from comfortable, the experience transformed Wang Zihao's view on travel. He found that while the landscapes are striking, the real fascination lies in understanding the natural forces that shape these terrains.

"Such experiences help me explain the geology and history behind the landscapes, rather than just saying 'Wow!'" he said. "There are so many unique places on our planet, and it's a pity to describe them all with the same expressions."

Chen Hui, director of Chinese National Geography Scientific Expeditions, noted that young people born after 1995 and 2000 have different priorities compared to previous generations.

"They value life experiences and personal growth over material comforts while traveling, showing a keen interest in exploring new places," he said.

Chen observed that, from late 2023, scientific exploration travel began to gain popularity on Chinese social media platforms. Expeditions by Chinese National Geography to extreme environments, such as the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert, and even Antarctica, have particularly intrigued young travelers.

"However, this is not a new idea," Chen said. According to him, since 2000, Chinese National Geography has been organizing these activities, growing from about 10 events a year to over a hundred annually, with diverse routes and themes. In 2024, roughly 40 percent of participants are between 20 and 30 years old.

Chen explained that these expeditions usually involve 15 to 20 participants and vary by route. Each trip includes field experts, and team leaders are strictly trained in first aid and field safety. Medical kits and, occasionally, on-site doctors are provided.

Inspired by his scientific explorations with Chinese National Geography, Wang Zihao has also organized two of his own expeditions in Xizang and Yunnan in Southwest China, exploring local culture, history, and natural treasures.

Wang Zihao is now preparing for his third expedition, set to begin this month, which will focus on a lake formed by melting snow in Xizang.

Despite frequently sharing travel experiences on social media, Wang Zihao encourages young people to set aside their phones and engage directly with the world.

"Experiencing science and nature in person is far more interesting than anything you see on your screen," he said.

mengwenjie@i21st.cn