'登山' literally combines 'dēng' (to ascend, climb) and 'shān' (mountain), forming a compound noun meaning 'mountain climbing'—the activity of hiking or scaling mountains, often for sport, exercise, or recreation. It emphasizes the physical act of going upward on natural terrain, not just walking in hills or parks.

This term is commonly used in travel contexts, fitness discussions, outdoor education, and news reports about expeditions or safety warnings. While it can refer to casual hikes, it often implies moderate-to-challenging terrain requiring preparation. Unlike general terms like 'hiking', '登山' carries connotations of purposeful ascent, elevation gain, and sometimes technical skill—especially when paired with words like '爱好者' (enthusiast) or '装备' (gear).