In the mist-shrouded peaks of Zhangjiajie, 24-year-old Zhang Bolin – better known to his online followers as "Lin Bei" – is redefining wilderness resilience. The pharmaceutical graduate from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has emerged as a standout competitor in the 2025 Qixingshan Wilderness Survival Challenge, testing human limits through primitive fire-making, shelter-building, and foraging in Hunan Province's iconic sandstone landscape.
Now in its second season, the competition bans modern supplies while requiring participants to complete physically demanding tasks like water purification and wild vegetable identification. "This isn't just survival – it's about rediscovering our connection to nature," Zhang told KhabarAsia during a rare break from constructing his bamboo shelter.
Zhangjiajie authorities are leveraging the challenge's popularity to develop sustainable outdoor tourism models. Recent initiatives include wilderness first-aid training courses and curated eco-trails showcasing the Wulingyuan region's biodiversity. With adventure tourism in Asia projected to grow 18% this year, the UNESCO World Heritage Site aims to position itself as a hub for responsible nature exploration.
"We're creating scenarios where visitors don't just observe landscapes, but interact meaningfully with ecosystems," said event organizer Li Wei. Plans for 2026 include cultural integration programs with local Tujia ethnic communities, blending traditional mountain survival skills with modern outdoor sports.
