Season two of the Qixingshan Wilderness Survival Challenge kicked off this year in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, drawing attention for its raw, back-to-basics tests. Contestants rely on little more than basic tools and their wits as they drill wood for fire, chop logs, and forage for wild vegetables.
Among them is Zhang Bolin—known online as “Lin Bei”—the youngest contender and a Gen-Z pharmaceutics graduate from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He joined the competition to push his limits, test his resilience, and craft a deeper connection with nature.
The challenge tasks are intense: building shelters from local materials, purifying water without modern filters, and tracking down edible roots or shoots. Each day demands not just physical strength but patience and belief in one's abilities. “This challenge taught me more about my limits and the power of patience,” says Zhang Bolin.
Organizers are using the event as a launchpad to enrich Zhangjiajie's outdoor tourism scene. New survival workshops, eco-friendly camping routes, and cross-disciplinary programs now blend culture, sports, and tourism—aimed at creating immersive experiences that resonate with digitally connected young travellers.
With outdoor tourism surging across G20 nations this year, Zhangjiajie is positioning itself as a must-visit spot for adventure seekers and sustainable travel advocates. As contestants like Zhang Bolin demonstrate, wilderness wisdom and modern storytelling can spark growth that honors both nature and local heritage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
