Chongqing - A new trend is sprouting up in China’s cities, and it’s not just the wild vegetables. Following waves of “city walks” and “city rides,” young urban dwellers are now turning to the countryside for a different kind of social experience—one they call “wild-greens meetups.”

The topic of "digging wild vegetables" is popular on the lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu. (Photo/screenshot from Xiaohongshu)

Armed with bamboo baskets and trowels, groups of young people are venturing into parks, fields, and even roadside greenery to hunt for seasonal wild greens. But this isn’t just about gathering food—it’s about documenting the journey, sharing “foraging maps” and cooking tips on social media, and connecting with others who enjoy the same return-to-nature vibe.

On lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, interest in “digging wild vegetables” surged by 359% in March alone. The topic has amassed over 200 million views and 180,000 related posts. Once-overlooked spots in Chinese cities have become hot destinations for these outdoor adventures.

From trend to industry

Ironically, the activity once dismissed by younger generations as an old-fashioned chore is now a symbol of cool, low-cost leisure. One enthusiast from Ningbo has gained tens of thousands of followers by sharing her knowledge of over 100 kinds of wild greens and mushrooms, alongside tips for picking and preparing them. “You don’t have to climb a mountain,” she writes. “The joy is in the discovery—even roadside shrubs might surprise you.”

That joy has sparked real connections. Foragers are forming group chats—some numbering in the hundreds—to plan excursions, swap tips, and build detailed guides by region and season. “It’s not about how much you collect,” one group member said. “It’s about having fun together.”

Many see the popularity of digging wild vegetables as a natural extension of China’s outdoor boom. Compared to the average 200-yuan price tag for camping, digging wild vegetables is nearly free—just a bag and a shovel. It satisfies multiple needs at once: socializing, relaxing, and feeling a sense of reward. One outdoor group leader summed it up: “It’s like harvesting nature’s free gifts.”

Beyond affordability, “wild-greens meetups” offer a rare escape from digital overload and workplace pressure. As one participant said, “The goal isn’t the vegetables—it’s the experience. We’re looking for something real.”

Participants form "digging wild vegetables" group chats on the lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, some numbering in the hundreds. (Photo/screenshot from Xiaohongshu)

The digging trend is quickly spilling over into commerce. One online retailer reported an 80% increase in sales of digging tools in March alone. A mini shovel marketed as a “digging must-have” reached monthly sales of 100,000 yuan.

Tourism is also tapping into the craze. According to travel platform Ctrip, searches for “farm + seasonal picking” have risen 50% since March. In response, resorts and travel agencies have rolled out spring experiences like wild vegetable picking, bamboo shoot digging, and traditional green rice ball making.

In short, what began as a niche hobby is turning into a budding “wild greens economy.”

The real reward is not the greens

This trend isn’t just about going outdoors—it’s about slowing down. Participants say foraging naturally breaks the ice in social situations, thanks to its slower pace and collaborative nature. “It’s the perfect setting for pure, pressure-free interactions,” said one participant. Another even joked that digging makes a great first date: “Anyone patient enough to fill a whole basket probably has a good temper.”

At its core, the movement reflects a deeper desire among young people to escape the stress of modern life. “Digging for wild greens forces me to focus, to live in the moment,” said one participant from Shanghai. “It helps me forget about KPIs and deadlines.”

Science backs up that sentiment. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research found that spending even 20 minutes in nature can significantly boost mental well-being. When blossoms and warmth return in spring, these mini breaks in the great outdoors offer a vital recharge for city-dwellers.

According to Sun Jing, an associate professor at Ji'nan University, digging is popular because of a growing yearning for nature and simplicity. “It’s a response to the lack of genuine contact with the natural world,” Sun said.

Wild-greens meetups show how a simple act—digging through the dirt—can help people reconnect with something deeper. Beyond the vegetables, it’s the earthy scent, the muddy hands, the steaming wild herb dumplings, and the laughter echoing across the fields that matter most.

(Lin Jing, a reporter from Tide News, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)