The Rise of “Climbing Buddies” in China: A Trend of Adventure and Opportunity

The rise of Climbing buddies in China growing very fast. In eastern China, 25-year-old Wendy Chen embarked on a journey to conquer Mount Tai, a well-known peak that rises 5,000 feet into the sky. But there was one hurdle standing in her way: no one to accompany her on the challenging five-hour hike. Rather than letting this stop her plans, Chen decided to hire a “climbing buddy” — a young man with a wealth of outdoor experience to guide and support her on the trek.

This growing trend, known in Chinese as “pei pa” (meaning “accompany to climb”), involves young men who, for a fee, join strangers on their mountain adventures. As demand for such services soars, the term “climbing buddy” has taken off on Chinese social media, with related hashtags racking up over 100 million views this year alone.

Climbing buddies are typically young and athletic individuals, often university students or military veterans, who advertise their services on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin. These adventurers list their physical attributes and hiking experience, and their services are priced between 200 to 600 yuan (roughly $30 to $85) per trip. The buddies’ main role is not only to lead and support the climbers but to ensure they stay motivated through singing, jokes, encouragement, and even carrying bags or offering a helping hand when needed.

Chen’s climb began at night to catch the renowned sunrise at the summit. Her climbing buddy assessed her fitness level and tailored the route to her ability, carrying her backpack throughout the journey. Despite cold winds at the top, he rented a coat for her and guided her to a shelter. When the sun rose, he had a national flag ready for the perfect photo, adding an extra touch of adventure to her experience. Though Chen’s photography skills left something to be desired, she was satisfied with the experience and the 350 yuan ($49) fee she paid.

For climbing buddies, the job offers more than just adventure. With a growing demand for their services, they’re earning significant income, sometimes much higher than traditional internships. Chris Zhang, a 20-year-old university student, turned his hiking passion into a lucrative opportunity, earning over 20,000 yuan ($2,800) in just three months by offering his services. As climbing buddy work can be more financially rewarding and offers greater freedom compared to office jobs, many are turning to it as a viable option.

For some, like 27-year-old Chen Wudi, this has become a full-time career. After quitting a high-stress sales job, he embraced his love for hiking and now regularly books climbing trips, bringing in over 20,000 yuan monthly. However, the physically demanding nature of the job means it may not be sustainable long-term, and Chen admits his knees are already feeling the strain.

Despite the rising popularity and income potential, the trend has sparked concerns. Critics point to the unregulated market, warning of safety risks, particularly for young women or families with small children. Without official oversight, some worry that unverified guides could lead climbers into dangerous situations. There have also been reports of scams, raising questions about the security of these services.

Nevertheless, for many young Chinese looking to bridge the gap between education and full-time employment, becoming a climbing buddy offers a unique blend of adventure and opportunity. Whether it’s the chance to travel the country or make quick money, this trend is not only reshaping outdoor recreation but also providing a temporary escape from the competitive pressures of the job market.

For now, climbing buddies like Chen Wudi are enjoying the climb—both figuratively and literally—while they can. “I like hiking and going to different places. And it makes enough money to support my life,” he says, understanding that this job may not last forever, but it offers what he needs right now.

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