Who Are The ‘Iron Butt’ Travellers Of China And Why Is The Trend Growing In The Country?

When it comes to travelling, do you prefer to reach your destination quickly and comfortably or do you prefer focusing on a long, memorable journey, even at the expense of speed and comfort? Well, there is an increasingly popular trend among youngsters in China who prefer to take long, arduous journeys over and above short, convenient flights. Dubbed the ‘Iron Butt’ travellers, these youngsters love the value and humility these long arduous journeys offer to them.

Who Are The ‘Iron Butt’ Travellers Of China Ditching Planes?

According to an article which was recently published by Asia News International or ANI, the majority of the people participating in the trend are recent university graduates. The trend consists of choosing longer, more uncomfortable means of transport to explore destinations.

Youngsters participating in the trend often forego choosing the more convenient travelling option, which is flying. For many of them, choosing not to fly is, no pun intended, quite grounding. It furnishes them with experiences that nurture a sense of humility.

Since the journeys are long, they are quite often extremely discomforting. Backaches and physical discomfort feature commonly as they travel for 46 hours on end sometimes. This is also why mainly young people participate in the trend.

Also Read: Indian YouTuber Shares Video Showing How Similar Trains In India & China Are; Netizens Say, “At Least Their Train Is Clean”

Why Is Their Trend Growing So Much In This Asian Country?

Apart from the quality experiences they get from such long local travelling, there is another major reason why this trend has gained so much traction on Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu. If reports are to go by, the increasing unemployment in the country is also a major reason.

These youngsters have limited disposable income, if at all. Hence, the longer and more uncomfortable travel options are also quite cheap. This allows them to explore the world and manage their finances efficiently.

The youth of the travellers, lack of enough disposable income and the value that such humble means of transportation provide, all combine to create this trend of ‘iron butt’ travellers.

Also Read: China Expands Visa-Free Entry For South Korea, Norway, And Seven More Countries Starting November 8

What do you most often find yourself prioritising when travelling? Speed and comfort or value-for-money and experiences? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Canva Pro Images (For Representational Purposes Only)

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