Concerns Rise Over Chinese Male Climbing Companions Carrying Women Massaging Legs

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SHANGHAI: The newly emerged climbing companion service at a renowned mountain tour site in China is facing scrutiny due to the significant physical contact between male service providers and their female clients.
Videos that have circulated on mainland social media since August depict young, muscular men, hired as climbing companions on Emei Mountain in southwestern Sichuan province, carrying women patrons in various positions – such as in their arms, over their shoulders, or on their backs.
Additionally, viral clips show these companions performing massages on customers’ legs while the patrons are seen in short skirts, according to reports from the news outlet The Cover.
In the past two years, mountain climbing companion services have surged in popularity across China. These companions, who operate as freelancers rather than being organised by the mountain tourism authority, are typically men in their 20s, while their clientele includes young children, women, and elderly people.
Many argue that this service is essential, as companions not only lighten the load by carrying bags but also provide crucial “emotional support,” encouraging climbers to persevere when they feel fatigued.
Emei Mountain ranks among the most popular mountains in China, with its peak reaching 3,079 metres above sea level and a hiking trail measuring 27km in length.
A man named Yang reported that he and his climbing companion team have assisted over 1,000 individuals in climbing Emei Mountain over the past year.
“We do not actively engage in physical contact with customers. Assistance is only provided at the customers’ request. Most of the time, we maintain a respectful distance,” Yang explained to the media.
While some internet users have labelled the climbing companion service as “yellow,” a slang term in China that denotes pornography, Yang defended his team, asserting: “Our service is wholesome. We do not engage in any sexually suggestive activities.”
He noted: “Only a small percentage of customers, roughly one in 10, ask us to carry them in our arms. However, this is typically brief and for the sake of taking photos.”
According to Yang, the climbing companion service is priced between 500 yuan and 1,200 yuan (US$70 to US$170), depending on the duration and complexity of the journey.
His team supplies various essential items for climbers, including walking sticks, raincoats, hats, knee supports, photo props, and medicines. They even record their clients’ experiences using drones and present medals to those who reach the summit.
Reports indicate that about 50 companion workers are actively serving along the trail up Emei Mountain.
An employee from the Emei Mountain Management Committee mentioned that the climbing companion service is not officially provided by their organisation, and they will seek guidance from higher authorities on how to manage this emerging industry.
Fan Zhiwei, a lawyer from Sichuan Xianshan Law Firm, emphasised the necessity for companions to clearly define the boundaries of their services.
“They should only offer services within their capabilities and business licenses. It’s essential to minimise unnecessary physical contact with female clients and to protect their privacy,” Fan stated to the press. - South China Morning Post

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