Zhangjiajie, China — An American tourist was left speechless after stumbling upon an unexpected piece of futuristic technology in one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders: robotic hiking legs available for rent.
While exploring the iconic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—famous for its towering sandstone pillars and the inspiration behind the floating mountains in Avatar—the traveler encountered a rental stand offering robotic exoskeleton legs designed to assist hikers. The high-tech gear, which provides mechanical support for walking, climbing, and descending, is revolutionizing how visitors experience the park’s challenging terrain.
“I was walking past a stand when someone came out and asked if we wanted to try these robotic legs,” the traveler said. “At first, I thought it was a joke. But then they strapped me in—and it honestly changed the entire hike.”
The exoskeletons are reportedly being rolled out across several of China’s scenic parks to promote accessibility and enhance the experience for visitors of all ages. The legs help reduce fatigue, improve stability, and make difficult hikes more manageable—particularly useful in Zhangjiajie, where staircases cling to cliff edges and trails wind through steep gorges.
Affordable Innovation
What shocked the traveler even more was the price.
“For something this advanced, I was expecting a luxury price tag,” they said. “But it’s only $22 a day to rent, and if you want to buy one for personal use, it’s around $1,000. That honestly seems like a decent deal for tech that makes walking uphill feel effortless.”
The legs use sensors and AI to adapt to the user’s movement, offering just the right amount of lift or support needed depending on the terrain. Whether climbing steep stairs or walking on uneven paths, the system enhances mobility without completely taking over the effort—ideal for those who want to hike longer without overexertion.
High-Tech Meets Natural Beauty
Just a few hours from Chongqing, a city already dubbed China’s “cyberpunk capital” for its futuristic skyline and neon-lit infrastructure, Zhangjiajie now seems to be catching up in tech appeal. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and robotics feels uniquely modern—and uniquely Chinese.
While still a novelty for most international travelers, robotic legs could become a common sight in tourist destinations across China. As the country continues to blend tradition with innovation, this surprising hiking assistant may be just the beginning of a new kind of travel experience.
