Photo: VCG

Following the popularity of the "City Walk," a new leisure trend called "Color Walk" is sweeping Chinese social media this spring. Across various platforms, people are ­posting about these Color Walks, where they first choose a color and then head outdoors, searching for and ­photographing anything they find that matches. In the midst of today's ­fast-paced urban life, this activity is seen as an immersive way to focus on the surrounding beauty and experience the subtle romance of city living.

On some social media platforms, topics related to Color Walks have drawn over 20 million views. Netizens eagerly share the colors they chose and the stories of their walks, with many saying the activity serves as an emotional outlet, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

For example, one user picked yellow before heading out for a walk and posted ­photos online featuring items such as a mango cake, pineapples in a supermarket, a bouquet of sunflowers from a florist, and a yellow shared bicycle on the street. Under these images, comments flooded in, saying this approach inspired them to seek new enjoyment even in what seems like dull routines.

"The value of a Color Walk lies in helping young people in fast-paced city environments discover beauty and joy. This matches the current ­generation's desire for emotional fulfillment," Zhang Yiwu, a professor of cultural studies at Peking University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The task of "finding a color" directs one's attention purposefully, which can break the cycle of constant stress and worry, bringing people back to the present moment. Li Kunmei, a psychotherapist at the Mental Health Center Affiliated to Tongji University, pointed out that this method offers the brain a brief chance to reset and recover, according to the People's Daily.

Li noted that different colors evoke different feelings: soft blues and greens can bring calm and relaxation, while bright yellows and oranges feel energetic and can lift one's mood. "Colors are also bound to beautiful memories. When we see green, we think of grass, trees and forests; when we see blue, we think of the sky and the sea. These associations bring a gentle healing power."

Cultural and tourism departments in several Chinese cities have embraced the Color Walk trend by designing local tours with featured color themes. For example, in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan Province, local authorities recommended a pink-themed route, guiding people to the city zoo, botanical garden, and Fuxi Mountain to enjoy peach and apricot blossoms in bloom. In Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, the authorities mapped out a green-themed trail, inviting walkers to view budding willow trees at Yuyuan Garden, enjoy springtime green rice balls, and stroll through tea gardens filled with tea plants.

The "Color Walk" has become popular for its low barrier to entry, high participation, and strong focus, breaking away from rigid city tour routines. Cities, through the eyes of young people, appear more vivid and specific. According to Zhang, this accumulation of tiny happy moments builds a sense of belonging, bringing people deep emotional satisfaction.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn