To Scale Peaks, Chinese Hikers Are Hiring Personal Cheerleaders

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University students are turning part-time guides, offering snacks, emotional support, and encouragement to help hikers navigate China’s toughest trails. With China’s National Day holiday approaching, a growing number of tourists are turning to an unusual service to help conquer the country’s toughest mountain trails: climbing companions. These part-time guides, mostly university students working during weekends and holidays, offer more than just navigation — they bring emotional support and snacks. Unlike traditional guides hired for safety, climbing companions focus on encouragement, providing reassurance and motivation as hikers push toward the summit. They also come prepared with essentials like chocolates, fruits, towels, trekking poles, and portable chargers, and offer tips for catching the perfect sunrise and the patience to capture — or even photoshop — that flawless photo for social media. The service is part of a broader trend across the country, where young Chines ………………………………