Spiritual side: the hikers rest and reflect by the coast of Shanghai. [Photo provided to shanghai star]

"Hiking is a kind of spiritual practice, which is like the process of conquering difficulties in real life as there is no turning back in both occasions," she says.

Stone Chen, 27, an accounts executive at a network technology company, joined the hiking group just because he likes to run. Chen says he has discovered a lot of new places around the city since joining the group.

"It's different from traveling with a group through a travel agency," he says. "We spend more time together and get along, during both tough situations and happy moments," Chen says.

To attract new members, Xiu plans to add new hiking routes and other activities.

How to join

Shanghai HigKing Group

Website: baozoutuan.net

Weibo: weibo.com/17hike