Core Viewpoint - The "Shan Ye" dining model is rapidly reshaping consumer experiences in the restaurant industry, with a focus on integrating natural elements and local ingredients into various dining formats [4][60]. Group 1: Popularity and Expansion of "Shan Ye" Dining - "Shan Ye" hotpot has gained immense popularity, leading to a surge in the number of chain restaurants expanding their locations [4][5]. - The "Shan Ye + Hotpot" model has become a trending format, with significant social media engagement, including over 100,000 posts on Xiaohongshu and over 100 million views on Douyin [6][7]. - Other dining formats, such as "Shan Ye" barbecue and small hotpot, are also emerging, attracting younger consumers with unique flavors and experiences [9][19]. Group 2: Characteristics of "Shan Ye" Dining - The "Shan Ye" dining brands often incorporate natural elements like mountains, stones, and trees into their decor, creating an immersive dining environment [11][41]. - The product offerings emphasize local ingredients, such as wild vegetables and mushrooms, aligning with the "nature's transporter" concept [42]. - Many brands adopt a self-service or semi-self-service model, with average customer spending ranging from 30 to 80 yuan, making dining more accessible [56][58]. Group 3: Market Trends and Innovations - The rise of "Shan Ye" dining reflects a broader trend of integrating traditional dining concepts with innovative models, creating new pathways for growth in the restaurant sector [62]. - The "Shan Ye" model serves as an emotional refuge for consumers, allowing them to escape urban life and connect with nature [63]. - Various dining formats are evolving, such as rotating hotpot and self-service breakfast, which cater to the demand for convenience and unique experiences [70][76]. Group 4: Future Directions - Brands must go beyond superficial visual elements and genuinely engage with the outdoor spirit to resonate with consumers seeking authenticity [84]. - The essence of the "Shan Ye" model lies in addressing consumer fatigue with artificial experiences, emphasizing a sincere dialogue with nature [84].

Core Insights - The "Mountain Wild" dining trend is gaining popularity, with various brands expanding rapidly in the hot pot and barbecue sectors [3][4][5] - The rise of "Mountain Wild" hot pot has led to a surge in related dining concepts, including barbecue and small hot pot, which are attracting younger consumers [7][12] Group 1: Mountain Wild Hot Pot and Barbecue - Mountain Wild hot pot has become a significant trend, with brands like San Chu Shan planning to open 10 new locations in 2024, bringing their total to 20 [4] - The popularity of Mountain Wild hot pot is reflected in social media, with over 100,000 posts on Xiaohongshu and over 100 million views on Douyin [6] - New barbecue brands inspired by the Mountain Wild concept, such as Liu Zhenzhen Guizhou Barbecue and Xiao Pao Xiong Yunnan Barbecue, are emerging, featuring unique decor that immerses diners in a natural setting [7][8] Group 2: Product and Design Innovations - Barbecue brands are incorporating local ingredients like sand ginger and cilantro to create distinctive flavors, such as the sand ginger beef [10][11] - Small hot pot concepts are also adopting the Mountain Wild theme, with restaurants like Chongchun Mountain featuring natural decor and a menu focused on wild vegetables and traditional broth options [12] - Mountain Wild restaurants are emphasizing seasonal ingredients and local sourcing, with dishes like mountain vegetable dumplings and fresh river fish [13][22] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Trends - The Mountain Wild dining trend is characterized by a focus on natural aesthetics and local ingredients, appealing to consumers seeking a connection to nature [17][18] - The operational model often includes self-service or semi-self-service options, making dining more affordable, with average prices ranging from 60 to 80 yuan per person for barbecue [25][26] - The success of the Mountain Wild model indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards experiences that offer emotional and sensory connections to nature [27][28] Group 4: Broader Industry Implications - The Mountain Wild dining trend represents a broader movement in the food industry, where traditional dining concepts are being reimagined with innovative themes and operational models [27][29] - The integration of self-service and automated systems is becoming a common strategy to reduce costs and enhance customer experience across various dining formats [35][44] - Brands are encouraged to explore authentic connections with nature, moving beyond superficial themes to create genuine dining experiences [45]