The trend has gained momentum this year, as hashtags related to “climbing buddy” have had over 100 million views on Chinese social media. After assessing her fitness level, her climbing buddy planned a moderate route and carried her backpack the whole way. When they faced chilling winds at the peak, Chen’s climbing buddy rented a thick coat for her while directing her to a walled shelter. Though Chen paid a typical price for a climbing buddy, she acknowledges that more good-looking buddies can command higher rates. After quitting a stressful sales role in April, the 27-year-old embraced his love for hiking and became a full-time climbing buddy.

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Persons: Wendy Chen, ”, pei, Chen, that’s, —, Wendy Chen's, Chris Zhang, Zhang, Chen Wudi, ” Chen Wudi Organizations: CNN, Critics Locations: Mount Tai, China, Tai’an City