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| tourists "Wimp Rafting" in Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area |
A Gentle Climb to the Top
For many travelers in China, exploring the great outdoors once meant steep trails, strenuous hikes, and aching legs. But that all changed this year for visitors like Chen Zhixin and his family, who enjoyed a mountain excursion at the Panwang Realm scenic spot in Guangxi’s Dayao Mountains without breaking a sweat. Thanks to new infrastructure and a shift toward what is being called “painless tourism,” their experience felt more like a relaxing nature walk than a grueling climb.Instead of hiking up winding trails, visitors began their journey with a 1,650-meter cable car ride, followed by a smooth, 8-kilometer walkway and sightseeing elevators leading to the peak. Though the climb was effortless, the rewards—expansive vistas and close encounters with nature—remained just as thrilling.
A Trend That’s Gaining Elevation
The rise of painless tourism is gaining momentum across China. Scenic areas are rethinking how visitors engage with nature by offering low-impact yet immersive experiences. Panwang Realm is one of many destinations embracing this approach, alongside places in Shaanxi, Zhejiang, and Hunan provinces. Amenities like cable cars, escalators, and barrier-free trails are becoming common, making once-difficult adventures accessible to travelers of all ages and abilities.Tourists are also trying more adventurous yet accessible activities such as via ferrata climbing and high-altitude trampolining. As visitor Zhang Xiaoyu from Shanghai noted after his family trip, it was the first time he summited multiple peaks without hearing a single complaint from kids or grandparents.
Floating into Relaxation
Beyond mountains, China’s waterways are also being reimagined. The Mao’er Mountain Scenic Area in Guangxi introduced “Wimp Rafting”—a laid-back version of traditional river rafting. Participants float gently downstream while lying flat on inflatable vests, guided by calm currents rather than fast rapids. No paddles, no adrenaline rush—just serene immersion in the natural environment.The idea, said deputy general manager Huang Jin, was to match travelers’ growing desire for low-stress, therapeutic outdoor escapes. Social media buzz and visitor numbers confirm its success, with the site drawing over 10,000 visitors in 2024 and peak days seeing up to 300 guests.
A Broader Shift in Outdoor Leisure
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twin elevators in Panwang Realm scenic spot in Dayao Mountains |
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some industry insiders worry that convenience may come at the cost of authenticity. Guan Zhiyuan, a Guilin-based travel agent, cautioned against overly artificial experiences that could diminish the raw appeal of nature. As a more balanced alternative, he cited the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, where sedan chair services were introduced for physically challenged visitors instead of building permanent infrastructure through fragile ecosystems.
Sustainability and Innovation Go Hand in Hand
Tourism experts agree that the future lies not only in comfort but also in creativity and sustainability. Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, encouraged the development of new forms of travel such as ecotourism, educational tourism, and wellness-based experiences. He believes that fulfilling a broad range of traveler preferences will help create a healthy cycle where growing demand spurs innovative, meaningful supply.As painless tourism continues to reshape expectations, destinations across China are proving that travelers no longer have to choose between ease and excitement. By blending technology, accessibility, and nature’s beauty, China is paving the way for a more inclusive, dynamic outdoor travel experience.
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