Vancouver Police and North Shore Rescue are asking for the public's help finding a 21-year-old man who has been missing since New Year's Eve.

Liang Jin, who also goes by the name Leon Joy, last made contact with his father late on Dec. 31, according to police.

Police are asking for the public's help in finding Liang Jin, who is believed to have gone hiking New Year's Eve. (Vancouver Police)

Jin texted his father to say he was going hiking, but did not say where he was heading. His father reported him missing January 3.

Police say they are concerned for Jin's safety, and call this a "high risk" missing person case.

"It's very rare for him not to talk to his family for this length of time," said Sgt. Randy Fincham.

North Shore Rescue began their search Jan. 5, after the police investigation identified possible hiking locations.

"We're going to do everything we can to expedite finding this individual," said Mike Danks of North Shore Rescue.

"It's [an] unfortunate circumstance when we get notification this late in the game and we have weather conditions like we have now."

Closed trail among the hikes Jin researched

A police search of Jin's computer and internet search history found he'd been researching hiking locations in Vancouver's North Shore mountains — but investigators emphasize Jin may have gone somewhere else.

Search crews were sent to "high probability" parts of the Lynn Headwaters, Hanes Valley, and Grouse areas, said Danks. Jin had also mentioned Hanes Valley to his parents.

Hanes Valley is closed for the season, so there will be little foot traffic in the area and considerable snow, said Danks.

North Shore Rescue volunteers search by helicopter January 5 in Hanes Valley, one of the locations Jin talked about going hiking. (Peter Murray)

He did not think Jin was an experienced hiker or well prepared for the snow and changing weather conditions.

Jin is described as Asian, five feet six inches tall, with a slim build.

Police say he may be carrying a black Salomon brand backpack with white stripes on the straps.

Anyone who has seen Jin is asked to call 911 immediately.