Introduction

Recently, I've noticed more and more outdoor activity photos in my social circle. Seeing friends posting from mountain peaks, lakesides, and ski slopes - doesn't it make you want to join in? As someone who has been immersed in outdoor activities for over a decade, I really want to share my experiences and insights with everyone. Every time I see friends eager to try but unsure where to start, I feel compelled to write this comprehensive guide to help more people find their own path in outdoor activities.

Land Activities

To be honest, land activities are the most accessible outdoor activities to begin with. As someone who frequently introduces newcomers to outdoor activities, I truly understand beginners' concerns. Don't worry, let's start with the basics and take it step by step.

Hiking Activities

Hiking is definitely the activity I most recommend to beginners because it has virtually no barriers - you can just start walking. You don't need particularly professional equipment, just comfortable athletic shoes and a backpack that can hold water and food. I still remember my first hike at Xiangshan. I just wore my regular running shoes and carried my backpack that day. Honestly, halfway up I was exhausted and my legs felt like they weren't my own. But when I finally reached the summit and saw the panorama of Beijing city while feeling the mountain breeze, that sense of achievement was truly intoxicating.

Later, I gradually started trying more challenging routes, like Xiangbagou and Lingshan. Before each trip, I would carefully study the route and prepare supplies. I remember once when climbing Lingshan, I got completely soaked because I hadn't checked the weather forecast. But the post-rain forest was especially fresh, with the air full of soil and grass scents, which actually became a memorable experience.

Now I organize several hiking activities each month, ranging from suburban parks to more distant mountain trails. The most interesting thing is watching fellow hikers progress from being out of breath at first to becoming increasingly comfortable. Some people have even become so passionate about hiking that they've started studying topographic maps and purchasing professional equipment, taking it even more seriously than I do.

Speaking of cycling, it's truly an addictive sport. Now I go cycling every weekend morning, especially in spring and autumn, setting out at six or seven in the morning, riding slowly along suburban roads. Watching the sun rise from the horizon and feeling the morning breeze on my face is incredibly relaxing. At first, I just rode shared bikes around, but later found cycling so interesting that I bought a road bike. I remember when I first got the bike, my legs were sore for days because I didn't know how to properly adjust the saddle height.

Now I have more and more cycling gear - helmet, gloves, cycling clothes, and even a bike computer. On weekends, I often meet up with friends to ride to more distant places. The farthest trip was from Beijing to Tianjin, riding for an entire day. Although it was exhausting, the scenery along the way was beautiful. Passing through fields of crops, observing the changes in nature across different seasons - that feeling is truly remarkable.

Rock Climbing and Adventure

Rock climbing is a particularly challenging sport. I remember my first time at an indoor climbing gym, spending half a day just learning various knots and belay techniques. The instructor patiently taught us how to properly use harnesses, tie ropes, and belay partners. Although it seemed tedious at the time, looking back, these fundamental skills are incredibly important.

The first time I tried climbing, I chose the easiest route but my arms gave out halfway up. That feeling of having to rely completely on your own strength to climb up is really special. After becoming more familiar with it, I started trying more difficult routes. The sense of achievement each time you successfully reach the top is truly indescribable.

Now I've started trying outdoor climbing. Compared to indoor climbing, outdoor climbing requires considering factors like weather and rock conditions. I remember my first time climbing at the Huairou Geological Park in Beijing - although it was a simple route, facing a real rock face created a completely different sense of tension and excitement. Plus, outdoor climbing allows you to enjoy beautiful natural scenery, making it a really special experience.

Speaking of canyon exploration, it's absolutely an addictive activity. I remember exploring a canyon in Yunnan last year, and that experience was truly unforgettable. The entire journey involved hiking, swimming, climbing, and even traversing through rapid streams. Although the process was tiring, seeing the unique geological features carved by water flow, hearing the sound of flowing water, and feeling the unique breeze in the canyon made it all worthwhile.

Especially in narrower canyons, where the rock walls soar into the clouds and sunlight filters down from above, creating dreamlike light effects. Sometimes you can even spot wildlife like mountain goats or various birds. This direct contact with nature is truly rare and precious.

More Land Activities

Beyond these common land activities, there are many other interesting options. For instance, cave exploration is an activity that particularly requires courage and skill. I remember my first time exploring a karst cave, that feeling of moving forward in complete darkness was both nerve-wracking and exciting. The geological features like stalactites and stalagmites in the cave were truly awe-inspiring.

There's also trail running, which has become particularly popular in recent years. Compared to regular running, trail running requires traversing various complex terrains, demanding both physical fitness and technical skills. When I participated in my first trail running race, I chose a 25-kilometer mountain route. Although it was extremely tiring to climb slopes and cross streams, the sense of achievement upon reaching the finish line was indescribable.

Water Activities

Calm Waters

Speaking of water activities, stand-up paddleboarding has become particularly popular recently. Last summer, I tried paddleboarding for the first time at Lake Fuxian. To be honest, I was really nervous when first standing up, feeling like I could fall into the water at any moment. But after gradually adjusting, that feeling of freely gliding across the water surface was really great. Plus, paddleboarding is perfect for taking photos - they turn out beautiful especially during sunrise and sunset.

Fishing might seem like an activity for older people in many people's eyes, but that's not really the case. Modern fishing has developed many different styles, such as the recently popular lure fishing. I remember being completely drawn in by the sport's interesting aspects when I first tried lure fishing. Different lures and retrieval methods all affect the probability of catching fish. Plus, during the fishing process, you can learn a lot about fish habits and hydrological environments.

Fly fishing, in particular, is truly a technique that requires extensive practice. Just learning how to accurately cast the fly to the target location requires a long time to master. But when you see a fish attracted to your carefully chosen fly and bite, that sense of achievement is really special. Moreover, while fishing, you can completely immerse yourself in nature, listening to the sounds of water and birds, which is really stress-relieving.

Rapids

When it comes to exciting water activities, whitewater kayaking is definitely an adrenaline-pumping choice. When I experienced whitewater kayaking in Sichuan last year, that feeling was truly indescribable. Sitting in a narrow kayak, navigating through rapid waters, constantly watching for water flow directions and rock positions - one small mistake could lead to capsizing. But it's exactly this intense and exciting feeling that becomes addictive.

However, I recommend beginners start with rafting. Rafting boats are more stable, and usually have professional guides leading the team, making them safer. I remember choosing a moderately difficult river course for my first rafting experience. Although there were some rapids and drops, the whole process was both exciting and safe under the guide's instruction. Plus, you can enjoy the scenery on both banks while rafting, making it a really great experience.

Surfing is still a relatively niche sport in China, but with more and more surfing bases being established, increasingly more people are starting to try it. I remember when I first learned surfing in Hainan, it took several days just to learn how to maintain balance on the surfboard. But when you can actually catch a wave and ride it, that feeling is really cool.

Moreover, surfing is really addictive - once you master the basic techniques, you'll want to constantly challenge bigger waves. While waiting for waves, sitting on your surfboard watching the sunrise and sunset, feeling the sea breeze - it's a really special experience.

Activity Intensity

Relaxed and Casual

For friends just starting to explore outdoor activities, beginning with some relaxed activities is the best choice. For example, stargazing is really an activity perfect for relaxing. I remember camping and stargazing on the Inner Mongolian grasslands last year, and that feeling was truly overwhelming. Away from city light pollution, lying on the grassland, looking at the sky full of stars, with the Milky Way like a silver ribbon across the sky.

Plus, while stargazing, you can learn a lot about astronomy. Recognizing different constellations and understanding the movement patterns of different celestial bodies is really interesting. Especially during special astronomical events like meteor showers, that feeling of waiting for shooting stars to cross the night sky is really magical.

Horseback riding is also an outdoor activity very suitable for beginners. Although you might feel a bit scared at first, you can quickly master basic riding skills under an instructor's guidance. I remember my first time horseback riding on the Hulunbuir grasslands - I was very nervous at first, but gradually developed a rapport with the horse. Riding across the vast grasslands, feeling the horse's gait, looking at the endless grasslands in the distance - that feeling is truly liberating.

Moreover, while horseback riding, you can closely interact with these intelligent animals and understand their habits. Sometimes the horse will suddenly stop to eat grass or give a gentle snort - these little details make it especially interesting.

Extreme Challenges

When it comes to high-intensity outdoor activities, skiing is definitely one of the most popular. Although the learning curve is quite steep, once you master the basic techniques, that feeling of flying down the slopes becomes addictive. I remember when I first started learning to ski, I was covered in bruises but couldn't stop trying. Every time I saw others smoothly turning and jumping on advanced slopes, I really aspired to that level.

Now I can challenge black diamond runs, and although I still get a bit nervous, that feeling of sliding down steep slopes is really exciting. Especially when skiing on powder snow, the snow spraying up sparkles in the sunlight, making you feel like you're in a fairy tale world.

Extreme sports like skydiving and bungee jumping really require great courage and professional training. When I experienced skydiving for the first time last year, that time in the airplane was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life. Looking down from the cabin door, my mind went blank. But when the instructor yelled "jump," all fear turned into excitement.

Those few seconds of free fall felt like time had stopped. When the parachute opened, everything suddenly became peaceful. During the slow descent, looking at the cities and fields below, that feeling is really hard to describe in words. Although the whole process might only last a few minutes, that experience truly becomes a lifelong memory.

Conclusion

In the world of outdoor activities, there are really so many things worth trying. Everyone can find activities suitable for themselves - the key is to progress gradually and not be too ambitious. Start with simple activities and gradually increase difficulty - this is how to truly experience the joy of outdoor activities.

Most importantly, remember that safety always comes first. Whatever activity you choose, make thorough preparations, understand relevant safety knowledge, and choose proper venues and instructors. Only by ensuring safety can you truly enjoy the happiness that activities bring.

I hope my sharing can help more people find their own outdoor activities. The world of outdoor activities is vast, and there's definitely something suitable for you. I look forward to meeting you, who also loves outdoor activities, on some mountain peak, grassland, or beach.