Traveling in a crowd

Wang Meiting in New Zealand. [Photo provided to China Daily]

For people who have big travel dreams but no money, crowdfunding among friends and strangers is one way to pay for a trip－as long as you can provide value for money.

More travelers with fantastic tour ideas are raising money for their trip from people who are inspired and touched by their plans. The financial backers receive various rewards depending on how much money they contribute. Rewards can include souvenirs, travel tips, and face-to-face meetings. The idea originated in the United States and today, more Chinese travelers are turning online to ask strangers to fund their travels.

Zheng Shihao, 24, raised 8,041 yuan ($1,286) on Chinese crowdfunding website dreamore.com in September, to pay for her 15-day trek through the Himalayas in Nepal.

"Crowdfunding is innovative. I've met many interesting people from crowdfunding during my trip, and made some good friends. I've also broadened my horizons," says Zheng, who works in marketing at a finance training company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. She plans to study finance in the United States in 2016.

"People who are happy don't start a long journey. I was at a loss about my future at that time. When I returned, my mind was at peace," she says.