"City walk" and "gap day" are gaining popularity among young Chinese urbanites; they showcase alternative forms of recreation and perspectives on work-life balance.

City walk

City walk refers to a leisurely and in-depth tour of the city attractions, which is different from the "military-style travel" that rushes past landmarks.

City walk embodies the essence of rediscovery. In today's fast-paced society, people miss out on what's happening around them. City walk encourages us to meander along city streets and alleyways and observe daily life. It is also an opportunity to discover oneself.

As early as in 1997, the British tourism website London for Free introduced a sightseeing route called "City Walk," which took tourists through London's oldest districts.

Wandering along the streets, known as "轧马路" (ya malu) in China, gained popularity in the 1970s, when there were fewer cultural options for young people.

These days, city walks are all the rage, especially among young people who are too preoccupied with work or studies to explore their own city.

It calms the nerves and provides an opportunity to reflect on their lives. They can enjoy the city's unique character and view life's finer points from fresh perspectives.

There is no single description of city walk. Some choose to take their time while wandering, stop to take pictures, and check out boutique shops.

There are also those who enjoy the tried-and-true methods of touring historical and cultural landmarks.

In addition, some people set out on a city walk with no predetermined route in mind, preferring instead to stroll with friends and use rock-paper-scissors to decide which way to go.

Camille, a blogger on the Chinese lifestyle social media site Xiaohongshu (Red), has uploaded a number of city walk routes on her account "周日见" (See you on Sunday), which has received over 20,000 likes.

"I began city walk in October 2022," Camille said. "I've gained a better understanding of Shanghai's architecture and culture. It is also a way for me to unwind, and I've discovered some alleys and shops I hadn't noticed before."

Tree-lined boulevards have become a popular choice for urban strollers.

Simply stroll beneath the shade of the plane trees, visit historical sites, or explore the boutique shops along the road to experience Shanghai's distinct charm.

Alex, who is from Novosibirsk, Russia, lived in Chongqing for almost 10 years before moving to Shanghai in May.

"I enjoy strolling around in Jing'an District. Compared with the Bund or Lujiazui, I prefer Jing'an," he said online. "There are many plane trees and Shanghai's unique architecture, shikumen (stone-gate) houses."

Meanwhile, paid city walks, usually led by a guide, have led to debates. Some people question the worth of paying for a walk.

However, participating in a paid city walk can be pleasant and rewarding.

"I usually go on city walks organized by "稻草人旅行" (Scarecrow Travel), which cost between 79 yuan (US$11.02) and 99 yuan," said Huang Yanqiu, who works in finance.

"On my first city walk, I visited some celebrities' homes. I learned a lot about historical stories, thanks to the guide. That's something I can't get from a walk alone. It changed my perspective and feelings toward the city where I reside."

Gap day

Another trending term, "gap day," alludes to taking a break from a hectic schedule.

The concept of "gap day" came from a social media post by a blogger who described her daily study schedule. She referred to the time between 5:10pm, when she takes a break, and the start of her studies the next day as the "gap."

Many young people immediately took to this word.

In this context, the normal break time is cynically called a "gap" to tease those who lack personal time due to work or studies.

Variations include "gap hour," "gap minute" and "gap second."

The term "gap" stems from the European "gap year" between high school and college. Some young people travel, volunteer, or do something that excites them.

In contrast to the optimistic idea of a "gap year," the word "gap day" suggests bitterness since it emphasizes the difficulty in juggling one's professional and personal commitments.

Los Angeles native Yaiza Sanchez has been working as a teacher in Shanghai for a year and a half. "Working in China is hectic. I have a heavy workload, and it's even more intense for the local teachers," she said when asked about her experience of the walks.

As the cliché goes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

"On my gap day, I travel to a nearby city, try local food, or go to a bomb shelter hidden in an alley to escape the summer heat," Camille said.

"I usually meet up with old classmates or go to exhibitions. As long as I don't spend time at home, the day off is meaningful," said Ren Hangyu, a pharmacist.

"It's fulfilling today. I took a gap day and went for a city walk around Xintiandi with my pet dog," wrote Clarisse Le Guernic, a French living in Shanghai, on Xiaohongshu.

Engaging in a city walk or a gap day is a great way to unwind and enjoy life.