China’s thrill-seekers are trading crowded tourist spots for adrenaline-packed skies, as low-altitude recreation takes flight across the country. At a buzzing paragliding camp in Changsha, Hunan Province, first-timers and enthusiasts alike are discovering a whole new way to explore China’s landscapes – literally from above.
🔹 How it works: Strapped into harnesses with instructors by their side, participants sprint downhill as wind fills their colorful canopies. Within seconds, they’re airborne – gliding over terraced fields and forested valleys that look straight out of a drone video. 🎥
"It’s like becoming part of the weather," says 24-year-old participant Li Wei, describing the rush of controlling his flight path using weight shifts and brake lines. The activity has surged in popularity this year, with social media flooded with #SkySelfies from coastal cliffs to mountain ridges.
🌐 Why it matters: As China develops more low-altitude airspace for civilian use, activities like paragliding are creating fresh opportunities in adventure tourism. Local governments see it as a way to boost rural economies while offering urban dwellers an eco-friendly escape.
Next time you plan a trip, look up – the best views might require a helmet and a pair of (very) wide wings!
