The issue of “illegal construction” on Pengji Mountain has troubled the landowner for over 30 years. Although this is now the fifth round of demolitions, residents still hold little hope. Even though some claim the illegal tent-building has decreased, it has actually become more severe in disguise. The problem isn’t impossible to completely resolve, but the landowners don’t want to take legal action — they simply hope to gain true respect from hikers, in order to coexist with them and with nature.
Landowner Chen Mingqin said that after multiple demolition projects, the overall occurrence of illegal tent-building has lessened, but their “camp bases” have shifted northward and expanded in area. The tents are getting larger and larger, and at times hikers even flatten parts of the mountain trails. All of these behaviors show a lack of respect for the landowners and for nature itself.
He said that some hikers have offered to rent land from the landowners to set up camps, but most landowners are not keen on the idea. The reason is straightforward — it’s not really about whether the land is rented or not, but about the harm to the natural environment. Many hikers not only leave litter behind, but also urinate and defecate in the wild, polluting water sources. These are all things the landowners do not want to see.
“The landowners aren’t refusing to sue — they just don’t want to ruin the relationship.” He emphasized that everyone is welcome to visit the mountains, but hiking should be done with class — which means showing respect. Respect yourself, respect others, and respect nature. Everyone gets tired while hiking, and it’s understandable to carry a water bottle or a small stool to rest in the shade for a while. But when you leave, make sure to take away everything that doesn’t belong there.