A newly launched companion climbing service on a famous Chinese mountain tour site is stirring controversy.
On the 20th, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong, a service has appeared on Mount Emei in southwestern Sichuan province where young, muscular men accompany climbers, but it is drawing criticism for excessive physical contact. Videos posted on Chinese social media show the hired men carrying female customers in various positions—holding them in their arms, slinging them over their shoulders, or giving them piggyback rides—while climbing the mountain. They also give leg massages to customers wearing short skirts.
In China, companion hiking services have gained popularity over the past two years. The companions, who work freelance without oversight from mountain tourism authorities, are mostly men in their 20s, and people of various ages—including young children, women, and the elderly—are known to use the service.
A man who said his hiking companion team helped more than 1,000 people last year told the outlet, "We do not make direct physical contact with customers. We provide assistance only upon the customer's request and, in most cases, keep a respectful distance." Regarding some internet users calling them "yellow," a slang term in China meaning "porn," he explained, "Our service is wholesome. We do not engage in sexual acts."
He added, "Only about 1 in 10 customers asks to be held. But this is usually just for a short time to take photos." The price of the companion hiking service ranges from 500 yuan (about 98,000 won) to 1,200 yuan (about 235,800 won), depending on distance and difficulty. On Mount Emei's trails, about 50 companions are reportedly active.