More than a stroll

According to Guo, his walking tours have also been popular because many participants tend to use this opportunity to hone their language skills.

"Our walks provide an easy platform to practice English, and this is quite popular with our Chinese participants," says Guo.

During his tours, Guo hosts games in which the winning participant gets to choose which direction the tour group will take. Besides adding an element of fun and spontaneity into the tour, these games also embody a poignant message for his newfound friends: Everyone should follow their heart and stick to the decisions they make in life.

"Another beautiful aspect of walking tours is embracing surprises and new possibilities. Sometimes in life we need to learn to let go of certain obsessions and just be open to new things," he says.

Another key reason why city walks are becoming increasingly popular among young people is the need to scout potential places where one can settle down, says Xu.

"For young people like college students looking to move away from home and work somewhere else, city walks are a good way to learn about a city. The things you see in the media or in books pales in comparison to seeing things in person. A city walk allows someone to feel the energy of a city, experience the weather conditions and get a sense of how welcoming it is," she says.

"A city walk will allow you to better predict if you will enjoy living here. In a way, a city walk is far more than just a leisurely stroll. It's a valuable experience that connects you with the city, the people and even with your future."

Wang Xin in Shanghai contributed to this story.