The Beginning

It was a weekend last fall when my friends and I decided to go camping at Xiangshan Mountain. As a city youth who grew up in a concrete jungle, I was both excited and scared about camping in the wild. Usually, I would avoid even tiny mosquitoes at home and always go out fully protected. The fact that I was going to spend a night outdoors was unbelievable even to my mom.

I remember when we were discussing weekend plans in our group chat, AJ suddenly threw out this suggestion. The group chat exploded - Xiaomei said she had always dreamed of stargazing in the wild, and Doudou said he could finally experience Bear Grylls' survival techniques. I hesitated for a long time until I saw their beautiful outdoor photos and camping vlogs. That indescribable romantic feeling finally convinced me, and I mysteriously nodded in agreement.

Looking back now, I'm so grateful that I made that decision. It not only completely changed my stereotypes about outdoor activities but also helped me discover a new, braver version of myself. That experience was like opening a door to a new world, showing me that life could have different possibilities.

Preparation

Friends all said that preparation is the most important thing for first-time camping. But what should we prepare? I searched many guides on Xiaohongshu and felt overwhelmed. Some said to bring three-layer tents, others said sleeping bags should be cold-resistant, and some had long lists that made me think my backpack would explode. Finally, with Doudou's recommendation, we found Old Wang, an experienced camper of five years, to help us.

Old Wang was our timely help. He not only helped plan our entire trip but also taught us how to choose equipment hands-on. "It doesn't matter whether camping gear is expensive or not; what matters is whether it suits your needs." This was his frequent saying. Under his guidance, our equipment list became simple yet practical.

The tent is fundamental to camping. We chose a three-person tent. Why? Because a three-person tent is perfect for two people, with enough space for both people and luggage. This was Old Wang's repeatedly emphasized experience. He said many beginners like to choose two-person tents but find they don't even have space to turn over at night, let alone store luggage. We picked a medium-weight, easy-to-setup three-person tent. Though expensive, it was definitely worth it.

We chose sleeping bags suitable for 15 degrees Celsius and above, since it was autumn after all. Old Wang said the sleeping bag temperature rating should be 10 degrees lower than the actual temperature to ensure sleep quality. We also prepared moisture-proof mats, headlamps, portable cooking equipment, emergency food, drinking water, and other necessities. Notably, Old Wang suggested we bring a portable camp light, saying it could be used as ambient lighting at night, which indeed proved very useful later.

We spent nearly two weeks preparing for this camping trip. Everyone had their responsibilities: I was in charge of checking weather and routes, Xiaomei was responsible for food ingredients, while Doudou and AJ handled the major equipment. Everyone was extremely careful, afraid of missing something important. We had numerous discussions in our group chat, debating everything from tent models to how many pairs of socks to bring. Looking back, the preparation process itself had already let us experience the joy of camping.

Setting Off

We set off at 6 AM that day. You might ask, why so early? But you should know, early birds get to occupy the best camping spots. This was one of Old Wang's "outdoor golden rules."

The city was still asleep in the early morning, with only scattered early risers on the streets. Walking on the gradually bustling streets with a nearly 20-pound backpack, I suddenly felt really cool. When passing by a convenience store, the clerk gave us curious looks, probably because it was rare to see young people carrying large bags out so early.

On the subway, we met some fellow campers. We exchanged destination information and experiences, instantly feeling like we'd found our tribe. It turned out there were quite a few young people who loved outdoor activities, and everyone had their unique outdoor stories.

After nearly an hour on the subway and another bus ride, we finally reached the foot of Xiangshan Mountain. The morning forest was shrouded in thin mist, the air particularly fresh, making you want to take deep breaths. The sun had just risen, with golden sunlight filtering through the leaves creating dappled shadows on the ground, so beautiful that you wanted to take photos immediately.

Finding the Campsite

At the foot of Xiangshan, the real challenge began. Finding a campsite isn't just about picking any random spot - there are many principles to follow. First, it should be away from crowds but not too remote; second, the terrain should be flat and preferably sheltered from wind; most importantly, there should be a water source nearby, but not too close to avoid insects. These were all things Old Wang repeatedly reminded us about.

Hiking with equipment isn't easy. Although I regularly go to the gym, this was my first time hiking with such weight. Not long into the hike, the backpack straps started digging into my shoulders. Doudou noticed my discomfort and taught me how to adjust various straps to distribute the weight more evenly across my body. This helped tremendously - these details really matter.

Along the way, we stopped frequently to rest and enjoy the scenery. Autumn at Xiangshan was breathtakingly beautiful, with layers of red leaves, occasional falling yellow leaves, and squirrels jumping through the trees - every frame looked like a painting. Xiaomei was our photographer, stopping to take photos every few steps, which made our journey slower than planned.

After nearly two hours of hiking, we finally found an ideal campsite. It was on a small flat area halfway up the mountain, next to a stream, with several large trees providing shade. The location was perfect - not only was the terrain flat, but we could hear the stream's sound and the trees blocked most of the wind. Most importantly, the view was open, guaranteeing a full view of stars at night.

When we found the site, everyone cheered excitedly. Two hours of arduous trekking finally paid off, creating a sense of achievement rarely felt in the city. As we put down our backpacks and sat to rest, even the air seemed especially sweet.

Setting Up the Tent

Setting up a tent is truly a technical task. Although modern tents are quite intelligent, we still fumbled around during our first attempt. We studied the instructions for quite a while before finally understanding the setup steps.

First, we had to choose the specific setup location. AJ carefully examined the terrain and chose a slightly sloped spot, explaining that this would allow rain to naturally flow away. Then we cleared the ground of rocks and branches - these details were all reminded by Old Wang to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.

Next came laying the groundsheet, crucial for moisture protection. The groundsheet needed to be laid flat without wrinkles, otherwise it would be uncomfortable to sleep on. Then came the support frame, which tested our patience the most. Those elastic poles looked simple but were particularly prone to tangling. We struggled quite a bit to get the frame up, almost getting hit in the face by rebounding poles several times.

Finally, we covered it with the tent fabric, a step requiring team cooperation. The four of us each grabbed a corner of the tent, spreading it out like a large net, then slowly fitted it over the frame. This process was particularly fun, with everyone cooperating seamlessly while cracking jokes.

When the tent was finally up, we were all sweating, but looking at our beautiful "temporary home," we felt a great sense of achievement. To ensure safety, we secured the tent to the ground with stakes and tightened all the ropes. Old Wang had said it's better to be too careful than not careful enough.

After setting up the tent, we started arranging the campsite. We laid out a picnic blanket in front of the tent, set up our small stools and portable table, and it instantly felt like home. Xiaomei even took out a string of colorful lights from her bag to hang around the tent, saying it would create a romantic atmosphere for the evening.

Outdoor Cooking

Honestly, outdoor cooking was what I looked forward to most about camping. Although I cook at home sometimes, cooking outdoors is a completely different experience. We brought portable cooking equipment and specifically bought a simple, practical cooking set.

We put a lot of thought into preparing ingredients. Besides common instant rice and ham, we brought some easily preserved vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers. Xiaomei even brought some seasonings, saying outdoor cooking should still taste good.

The fire-starting process was fun. AJ was responsible for setting up the stove, Doudou and I were in charge of cutting vegetables, while Xiaomei took photos to document everything. Although it was just simple stir-frying and rice cooking, doing it outdoors made it especially interesting. The food bubbling in the pot, mixed with the fresh mountain air, made everyone hungry just from the smell.

You know what? Food cooked outdoors tastes especially delicious. Maybe it's because we labored all morning, or maybe it's the wild flavor. We made a simple potato and meat stew with instant rice, which somehow tasted better than fancy restaurant meals.

After lunch, we cleaned up the garbage and left the campsite spotless. This was something Old Wang particularly emphasized: never leave trash in nature. After cleaning up, we lay on the picnic blanket, looking at the blue sky and white clouds, listening to the flowing stream, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

Nightfall

The mountain is particularly quiet at night, with occasional insect sounds. The daytime hustle seems to disappear instantly, replaced by a mysterious and peaceful atmosphere. Xiaomei's colorful lights looked especially warm in the darkness, adding a fairy-tale-like beauty to our little campsite.

We sat around in front of the tent, sipping hot coffee and talking about our lives and dreams. Perhaps because we were far from the city's noise, everyone seemed particularly sincere and open. Topics that we couldn't finish discussing on WeChat seemed to have endless insights here.

The temperature started dropping at night, but none of us wanted to crawl into the tent so early. AJ brought a deck of cards, and we played "Truth or Dare." Playing this game in such an environment felt especially exciting. Losers had to complete various fun penalties, like imitating animal sounds or singing. We laughed heartily, our laughter echoing through the quiet forest.

Lying in the tent, looking at the starry sky through the mesh top, it feels like the whole world is yours. It's hard to see such beautiful stars in the city - the stars dotted the sky like diamonds scattered on black velvet. At that moment, I suddenly understood why so many people are obsessed with outdoor activities. This feeling of zero-distance contact with nature is something you can never experience in the city.

Rewards Galore

This camping experience taught me that outdoor activities are not just sports, but a lifestyle. It taught me how to interact with nature, how to overcome difficulties, and how to enjoy simple pleasures. During this process, I learned many skills that I wouldn't encounter in city life, like reading terrain, setting up tents, and outdoor cooking.

More importantly, this experience gave me a new understanding of myself. I wasn't as delicate as I imagined; I could adapt to outdoor environments; I could walk long distances with heavy luggage; I could enjoy life away from phones and internet.

According to outdoor sports association data, the number of outdoor sports enthusiasts in China has grown by 20% annually over the past five years, with 25-35 year-olds accounting for 65%. This data isn't surprising, as young people increasingly yearn to escape city pressure and seek connection with nature.

Now, I schedule outdoor activities every month. From initial camping to later trying hiking and rock climbing, and now learning kayaking. Each activity gives me new insights about myself and helps me meet like-minded friends. We often plan outdoor activities together, share equipment usage tips, and encourage and support each other.

This lifestyle has changed many of my perspectives. For example, I've started to treasure the natural environment more and pay more attention to environmental protection; I've learned how to cooperate in a team and how to care for others' needs; I've also understood that sometimes slowing down and living simply is also a kind of enjoyment.

Final Words

Outdoor activities have truly changed my life. They taught me persistence, teamwork, and appreciation for every detail in life. From a city girl afraid of insects to an outdoor enthusiast who can comfortably camp in the wild, this transformation makes me particularly proud.

If you want to start outdoor activities, try camping first. Trust me, once you experience your first sunrise from a tent, taste food you've cooked in the wild, feel the warmth of chatting with friends around a campfire, you'll fall in love with this lifestyle.

Remember, the most important thing about outdoor activities isn't having the best equipment or the most advanced skills, but having a heart that wants to be close to nature. Set out with this heart, and you'll definitely discover a different world, and a different version of yourself.