Hiking enthusiasts go for a hike on the Wusun ancient road in Baicheng County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 9, 2024.  Photo: Xinhua

As the Mid-Autumn Festival concluded and the National Day holidays approach, more and more travelers have chosen mountain hikes as a ­favorite pastime. The rise of "hiking companion" services, which, while not a formal profession, has gained significant attention due to increasing demand, particularly on social media platforms.

Sun Menglei, a college student from Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan Province, told the Global Times that he began offering hiking companion services because of his passion for outdoor activities. 

Over the just-concluded Mid-Autumn holidays, Sun received numerous requests, especially for popular routes like Mount Songshan's Luya Waterfall and Taishi Mountain, a peak of Mount Songshan. On Monday, he had even seven bookings.

Just like Sun, most hiking companions are current or recent university graduates who are enthusiastic about outdoor sports and possess in-depth knowledge of local mountain ranges. 

Zhang Yuliang, a graduate from Tai'an, East China's Shandong Province, told the Global Times that as a local resident, he is ­well-acquainted with Mount Taishan. 

His primary clients are first-time visitors to the area, and he often assists by carrying their bags, allowing them to focus on the challenges of reaching the summit.

It is reported that more than 300 university students are working part-time as hiking companions in the area of Mount Taishan, charging between 100 to 300 yuan ($14-$42) per service. Social media platforms have seen a surge in posts sharing experiences and tips about using these services.

Apart from providing hiking assistance, some companions offer additional services. Sun, for instance, provides photography services alongside hiking assistance. 

"Some of my clients are white-collar workers who don't have time to plan their trips or might lack the willpower to finish the climb. My companionship and encouragement help them overcome difficulties and isolation, making the journey to the top more enjoyable," he said.

Many hiking companions have some level of professional sports training, which enables them to offer expert guidance. Their familiarity with the terrain and weather conditions allows them to tailor routes based on clients' physical abilities, minimizing risks such as injury or getting lost.

While the service is gaining popularity, there are potential challenges. To address safety concerns, Sun has implemented a reservation and deposit system, ensuring a structured and safe experience for his clients. 

According to the Xinhua News Agency, hiking companion services are part of a trust-based ­economy. Tourists should negotiate key aspects of the service, such as fees and liability, with their companions. Tourism and market regulators could develop model contracts for hiking companion services to provide standardized references and guidance for both tourists and service providers.

Despite potential legal and trust issues, Sun values the emotional fulfillment he gains from this work. 

"Helping clients reach the summit and seeing their joy and pride when they take in the view gives me a real sense of accomplishment," he said.