Located in Hubei province in central China, Ensi sits at an average altitude of 1,200 m above sea level. Its remote location and poor transport links once kept it isolated. Residents primarily relied on growing corn and potatoes, but low yields forced many young people to leave in search of work elsewhere.
The introduction of via ferratas has dramatically changed life in Ensi. "Via ferrata", Italian for "iron path," refers to protected climbing routes featuring iron rungs fixed to the rock face. This form of adventure climbing originated in the European Alps over a century ago and is now gaining popularity in China.
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Adventure tourism is increasingly popular with young people, 7/2025. Photo: Xinhua |
Adventure tourism is increasingly popular with young people, 7/2025. Photo: Xinhua
In 2017, a 2.8 km via ferrata opened on the near-vertical cliffs of Mount Jigongling in the Ensi region. The route ascends approximately 650 m and has since become increasingly popular, attracting over 30,000 visitors in 2024 alone.
Last May, another via ferrata opened along the Qingjiang River in Enshi, attracting approximately 1,000 visitors, mostly young people. This growing tourism is creating jobs, boosting local incomes, and driving economic development in Ensi.
Guo Qing, a 29-year-old instructor who leads a team of six local guides, says some of his colleagues who previously worked away from home have returned and trained as certified climbing instructors. "Now we have stable incomes right here at home," he said, noting that their monthly earnings range from 7,000 to 8,000 CNY (approximately 970 to 1,100 USD), exceeding the local average.
The influx of adventure tourists has also revitalized local services and small businesses, creating over 150 jobs in hospitality and retail.
Xiang Longbing, a farmer, converted his home into a guesthouse. "Before, we struggled to make a living through farming. Now, we host around 3,000 tourists annually and earn over 100,000 CNY (over 14,000 USD) per year just from tourism," he said. To better serve his guests, Xiang has also learned to cook and serve local specialties. His success has inspired others, with numerous guesthouses, restaurants, and shops opening in the town.
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Climbers on a via ferrata in Ensi, 7/2025. Photo: Xinhua |
Climbers on a via ferrata in Ensi, 7/2025. Photo: Xinhua
Local agriculture is also benefiting. Liu Xiaolin, a grape grower at the foot of Mount Jigongling, reports a significant increase in grape sales due to the rise in tourism. He says his sales have increased by more than 40% since the via ferrata opened. "Previously, we had difficulty finding buyers for our grapes, but now with so many climbers visiting, selling them is no longer a problem," he shared.
Tam Anh (Global Times, Xinhua)
