No one to hike with you? No problem if you’re visiting China — just hire a ‘climbing buddy.’
Known in Chinese as “pei pa” (meaning “accompany to climb”), young Chinese men will join strangers on their journeys up popular mountains for a price.
Judging by the popular hashtag ‘climbing buddy’ — over 100 million views on Chinese social media — the trend is, uh, trending.
Young, athletic individuals advertise themselves on social media platforms, with profiles touting their height, fitness level and hiking experience. On average, they charge 200 to 600 yuan ($30 to $85) per trip.
Not only do they keep you company, but these ‘buddies’ will carry your backpack, give you rousing encouragement, and even pull you up the steep path if necessary.
Many buddies are students, but even veterans are advertising their services.
Chris Zhang, a 20-year-old university student, advertised himself as a ‘climbing buddy’ instead of taking a traditional internship like his classmates. He estimates he’s earned over 20,000 yuan ($2,800) in the past three months.
One 27-year-old said he became a full-time climbing buddy because it beat being stuck in a cubicle.
In a country where unemployment is high among young people, this sounds like a win-win.