Chongqing - This summer, a growing number of young Chinese travelers are embracing what social media has dubbed “wimp-style tourism”—a low-energy, high-comfort approach to sightseeing that trades physical exertion for mental ease. The idea is simple: conserve energy, maximize enjoyment, and focus on pleasing yourself rather than proving your endurance.

On July 6, tourists enjoy canyon rafting at Meiling Scenic Area in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Xinhua)

Instead of grueling treks or adrenaline-pumping challenges, "wimp-style" trips feature attractions like elevator rides to mountaintops, slow-drop bungee jumps, and laid-back rafting where visitors lie back and drift downstream. The aim is to capture the thrill and atmosphere of traditional activities, without the sweat and strain.

"When the instructor counted down '3-2-1 jump,' I could even smile and pose," recalled Hu Chunran, who recently tried a "wimp-style" bungee in Huzhou, Zhejiang. Using a slow-fall device, it delivered the sensation of free-fall while avoiding the stomach-dropping jolt of a traditional jump. "It was such a contrast to the time my friends dragged me into a seaside bungee—my legs turned to jelly."

Playing It Safe, Still Having Fun

For Beijing-based traveler Liu Tianrui, the appeal is obvious: "Work is exhausting enough. When I travel, I want to relax completely. Even if people call it 'wimp-style tourism,' I think it’s great to be free of burdens."

On platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, hashtags like #wimpbungee and #chillrafting have drawn millions of views, with users praising these gentler experiences. One post contrasted "flood-fighting" rafting—where paddlers battle rough waters—with the serene version in Guilin, where you float in a life jacket and enjoy the scenery.

Xiong Haifeng, Associate Professor at the Communication University of China, says the trend reflects a shift in leisure values. “It’s about balancing challenge with comfort,” he explained. "The concept has existed for years, but was only recently packaged into a trend. It sits between checklist-style sightseeing and full-on adventure travel."

From "Special Forces Travel" to Precision Energy-Saving

Hu Chunran once attempted "military-style travel," packing five attractions into a single day. "I wasn't relaxed at all—just worn out for the rest of the week," she said. Now her philosophy is simple: fewer stops, more genuine rest.

Travelers have even developed an unspoken code for "precision energy-saving" sightseeing: take the elevator up the mountain but linger over coffee at the top; be nervous on a bungee but keep your smile camera-ready; visit fewer sites but make each photo look effortlessly adventurous.

Tourism operators have quickly adapted. Some offer to take photos for guests, while bungee sites now sell "scared-but-elegant" photo packages. "For those of us who want both comfort and great pictures, that’s perfect," Hu noted.

Business Booms—But Not Without Debate

According to travel platform Qunar, destinations marketing "wimp-style" experiences have seen ticket sales soar this summer. Zhejiang's Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform and Shenxianju Scenic Area—both offering elevator-access mountain views—saw year-on-year ticket sales rise 32.4% and 36.4% respectively. "Wimp-style" bungee locations posted even bigger gains: Anji Yunshang Grassland in Zhejiang recorded nearly a fourfold jump in sales, while Hubei's Huangshi Sky City rose 2.7 times.

Still, not everyone is convinced. When “elevator-assisted mountain climbing” first appeared, critics quipped, “Didn’t climb a single step, yet saw every view!” Some praise the convenience; others question whether it robs the activity of its essence.

Xiong argues that the debate highlights a generational shift: older tourists often view travel as a means to showcase their achievements, while younger travelers prioritize emotional satisfaction. Skipping the hike, he notes, usually frees up time and energy for local cafés, craft workshops, and other immersive experiences, helping upgrade the tourism economy.

"The tourism market is moving from mass to niche segments," Xiong said. "The winners will be those who can meet these specific needs. 'Wimp-style tourism' is just one color in a diverse palette—but the future lies in ensuring every type of traveler can find their fit."

(Xie Xinyi, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)