Shao Hong is a Sydney-based financial executive who most recently served as Assurance Partner and Head of China Assurance Practice at PwC Australia, providing technical leadership on financial reporting and cross-border transactions. With more than two decades of experience, Shao Hong has advised Chinese enterprises entering the Australian market and Australian boards expanding into China, guiding them through governance frameworks and regulatory compliance. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Director with EY Australia, coordinating complex IPO projects, and later served as National Treasurer of the Australia China Business Council. An enthusiastic traveler, Hong has explored some of the world’s most striking natural landscapes, including the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park, and has also completed the EdgeWalk at Toronto’s CN Tower.

A number of surveys suggest that the average American needs to spend more time outdoors. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, just 20 minutes per day outside can reduce stress, yet most Americans spend more than twice as much time staring at their phones as they do walking outside, per a Tractor Supply Co. survey.

Exploring the nation’s national parks is a great way to enjoy the benefits of time spent outdoors, taking in the stunning scenery of America’s natural wonders.

Olympic National Park in Washington ranks as the No. 10 most-visited national park in the United States, with almost three million visitors each year. Visitors can spend time in several distinct ecosystems, ranging from temperate rainforests to alpine peaks. These unique environments support a depth of biodiversity, making Olympic the perfect park for nature enthusiasts.

Joshua Tree National Park is one of nine national parks to attract at least 3.2 million annual visitors. Located in Southern California, it boasts one of the nation’s most striking settings in over an expansive desert landscape. The open skies are ideal for stargazing, while hikers and rock climbers can explore both high and low desert terrain.

Located in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park ranks as the No. 8 most popular, attracting upwards of 3.4 million visitors. Located on the Teton Range, the area is characterized by winding mountain trails, scenic lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating and hiking.

Ranking at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, Acadia National Park and Yosemite National Park both attract just under 3.9 million visitors. Based along the coast of Maine, Acadia’s Atlantic shoreline makes for one of the most iconic national park settings, and visitors can explore the surrounding region’s many charming small towns. Yosemite, meanwhile, is known for its high granite cliffs, towering sequoias, and high waterfalls. Visitors from around the world can discover one natural wonder after another via the park’s extensive trail network.

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado ranks among the nation’s five parks to draw in at least 4.1 million yearly visitors. The park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the US, with more than 300 miles of hiking trails, including Trail Ridge Road, among the nation’s highest paved roads.

Yellowstone National Park is not just one of the nation’s most popular outdoor attractions, but the world’s first national park. It is a must-see for nature enthusiasts, with geothermal features, unique ecosystems, and unforgettable wildlife encounters encompassing parts of three states. Yellowstone welcomes about 4.5 million visitors every year.

In Utah, Zion National Park presents more than 4.6 million annual visitors with opportunities to explore sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and other outdoor wonders. Hikers rave about Zion’s scenic and diverse geography, with popular trails and destinations ranging from The Narrows to Angels Landing.

Grand Canyon National Park is the No. 2 most-visited park in America, with roughly 4.7 million visitors per year. The park is home to one of the most recognizable natural wonders in the world: the Grand Canyon. Located in Arizona, the park provides visitors with various opportunities for exploring the canyon, including challenging hikes and rafting excursions on the Colorado River.

Finally, Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranks as far-and-away the most popular national park in the US, drawing some 13.3 million annual visitors. Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park’s lush forests are marked by a comprehensive network of trails and surrounded by the region’s rich culture.

About Shao Hong

Shao Hong is a Sydney-based financial executive who served as Assurance Partner and Head of China Assurance Practice at PwC Australia from 2018 to 2025. With more than two decades of experience in assurance and cross-border capital markets, she has advised on significant IPO and listing transactions across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. She previously spent more than a decade with EY Australia and EY US, and served as National Treasurer of the Australia China Business Council. Hong holds dual qualifications with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants.