Challenging rock climbing, outdoor barbecues to enjoy nature… Is this an outdoor club? Or perhaps a picturesque countryside spot? Its real name is “Donkey Nest,” a leisure and gathering place tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. At the Donkey Nest, you can not only enjoy tea and light meals, but also share and exchange travel stories with fellow travelers. When inspiration strikes, you can even test your skills on the climbing wall. Yesterday, a reporter stepped into the Donkey Nest in Longjiang to see what it’s all about.
You can enjoy tea and light meals here, and if you walk by the entrance, you might not notice anything special about the Donkey Nest. But once you step inside, its uniqueness reveals itself. Right at the entrance is the rock climbing area, where a child is climbing enthusiastically under the guidance of staff. Unlike many casual or classic-style eateries, the Donkey Nest features a diverse and inclusive style. The first floor has a rustic charm, and as you go up the stairs, the decor takes on a Tibetan aesthetic. At the Donkey Nest, you can not only enjoy the thrill of rock climbing, but the adjacent terrace also makes for a great barbecue spot.
The “Nest Owner” loves the outdoors—the idea for the Donkey Nest brewed for over four years
The “Nest Owner” is a seasoned traveler who originally worked in team-building training. After getting into outdoor activities over a decade ago, he was hooked. “Back then, my job was just an excuse to go outdoors.” Whenever he had some money, he’d head out with a backpack. Along the way, the “instructor” not only made many like-minded friends, but after founding the “Donkey Tribe” on Xici in 2005, he gained an even larger following. As the group grew, the idea for the Donkey Nest took root in the instructor’s mind. After more than four years of planning, the Donkey Nest finally opened its doors in March this year.
Outdoor activities every day, plus expert knowledge provided
As a hub for fellow travelers, the Donkey Nest naturally offers plenty of outdoor activities. On the small blackboard at the entrance, a detailed schedule of weekly events is listed: Monday—rock climbing, Tuesday—night hike up Purple Mountain, Wednesday—outdoor-themed movie night, Thursday—lake loop walk… The “Nest Owner” explained that the Donkey Nest is not only a platform for travelers to connect and share, but also a gathering spot for exchanging and swapping unused gear and items. Additionally, the Donkey Nest provides advice on outdoor travel routes, shares knowledge on wilderness survival and first aid, and offers insights on outdoor equipment. For example, on Monday’s rock climbing session, professionals will start with the basics, teaching how safety ropes, harnesses, and descenders work in the field, as well as how to use ropes to escape tricky situations or climb cliffs.
The Donkey Nest has a relaxed and casual atmosphere—it’s a strong support system for travelers
After over a decade of outdoor adventures, the “Instructor” fell in love with this free-spirited and straightforward way of traveling. At the Donkey Nest, you can also enjoy this laid-back vibe—chat freely, daydream, or take a nap however you like. If you hit it off with someone, feel free to strike up a conversation. “At the Donkey Nest, you can talk to strangers,” the instructor said with a smile. The Donkey Nest will not only serve as a home base for travelers in Nanjing, but also a strong support system. If you encounter any unexpected situations during your trip, you can call the Donkey Nest, and the staff will quickly contact the nearest outdoor enthusiast to provide you with prompt assistance. If you lose your way while traveling, you can also call the Donkey Nest, where professionals will offer the most reasonable and economical advice based on your needs. See for yourself what the Donkey Nest is all about. Yangtse Evening News reporter