In the misty hills of Anji, Zhejiang region on the Chinese mainland, a new wave of forest retreats is drawing young global citizens eager to unplug and reset.
Here, moss-draped rooftops glisten with raindrops, and a guest sits in stillness, playing a singing bowl. Each gentle wave of sound washes away the noise of the digital world.
According to the Zhejiang Ecological Tourism Committee, forest retreat bookings in Anji have climbed 25% among travelers aged 18 to 30 this year. Many cite a need to step back, breathe deep, and simply be.
"I felt like I found my centre," says Li Wei, a 24-year-old travel blogger from Shenzhen. "Each note from the singing bowl grounds me amid my busy schedule."
For young professionals and digital nomads, this conscious return to nature sparks fresh ideas. Entrepreneurs are hosting pop-up brainstorming sessions under the canopy, while activists draw inspiration for sustainability campaigns.
The trend isn't limited to the Chinese mainland. From the forests of Vancouver to the jungles near Bali, a generation is discovering that healing often begins with a deep breath and a step into the wild.
In a world that never stops scrolling, the forest offers a simple reminder: sometimes, the best path forward is to pause, listen, and let nature lead the way.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
