Adventure travel booms among Chinese

ADVENTURER Ding Zhendong in South Antarctica. CHINA DAILY

BEIJING, China (China Daily) — Climbing, skydiving and paragliding are sources of wonder for 64-year-old Ding Zhendong, a retired editor from North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

“Real life begins after retirement,” Ding said. He first tasted adventure tourism in 2015 when he drove a minibus with his friend from Inner Mongolia to Tibet.

Despite difficulties during the trip, the adventure was worthwhile for Ding thanks to the stunning landscape and thrilling experience. Over the past years, he has driven to Tibet through four different routes and visited the south and north poles.

“Adventure helps me learn the limits of my body and boosts my physical strength. Now more retirees are joining our expedition team,” he said.

Ding is among a growing number of Chinese who want more than relaxation from their travels.