Hiking through various terrains is a form of outdoor adventure. In places with complex and diverse landscapes and few human traces, where there are no ready-made paths or clear signs to guide the way, you rely on maps, compasses, your own wits, and your feet to traverse every inch of land. Leaving your footprints in pristine or ancient, weathered settings, and observing and learning a wealth of useful knowledge amid serene stillness or dynamic energy is deeply fulfilling. Hiking and trekking activities are inseparable from trails, and the condition of the path directly impacts whether we can complete the journey successfully. Poor trail conditions can sometimes lead to injury. Mastering the techniques for walking on different surfaces can make the experience much easier and more enjoyable. Moving forward, staying safe, and having fun—this is the essence of our outdoor philosophy.
1. Flagstone Paths
Trail Characteristics:
These paths were mainly built during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republican era. Typically referred to as "ancient scent roads," they consist of manually laid flagstones of varying sizes. Due to their age and heavy foot traffic over time, these flagstone paths have become extremely smooth. Rain or snow can easily lead to accidents, ranging from minor falls or twisted ankles to serious injuries like fractures.
Walking Tips:
After rain, when hiking uphill, wear anti-slip shoes and keep a relaxed mindset. Keep your center of gravity from leaning too far forward; align it perpendicularly to the stone surface and use trekking poles whenever possible. When carrying a heavy backpack, ensure its weight is balanced slightly toward the middle and lower part, and use your hands to hold onto rocks or trees when necessary. When descending, always use trekking poles and lean your center of gravity slightly forward. Aim to place your feet in the gaps between flagstones or on grass and vegetation at the edges of the path. Maintain a safe distance from others to avoid one person’s fall knocking down several others. After snowfall, it's best to use four-point ice crampons. If not using crampons, step only on tree roots or grass along the path—trekking poles are essential.
2. Rocky Step Terrain
Trail Characteristics:
So-called rocky step terrain refers to paths without clear markings. The “path” is typically formed by valleys and gullies shaped over time by rain erosion and flash floods. Walking here requires hopping from rock to rock amid a mix of fine sand, streams, and jagged boulders—full of hidden hazards.
Walking Tips:
Overcoming the fear of stepping on rocks is key, which requires focused attention. Avoid rocky step areas before or immediately after heavy rains during the rainy season to prevent flash floods. Wear thick-soled, sturdy hiking boots, and check that your shoelaces are secure before starting. Tighten your backpack shoulder and waist straps to keep it snug against your back and prevent swaying that could throw off your balance. Keep your eyes on the path ahead, accurately judge your next foothold, and look for dark smudges on rocks indicating frequently used steps. Also, make sure to clean mud off your soles—if sand sticks to them, watch out for your knees and teeth.
3. Dirt Roads
Trail Characteristics:
This is a very common type of terrain, usually formed by the weathering of stones and the trampling of exposed, vegetation-free ground over time. You might think this is the easiest kind of path—nothing to worry about—but that’s a big misconception. During the rainy season, these paths turn into muddy quagmires, making it very easy to slip and injure your knees.
Walking Tips:
After heavy rain, even if the surface appears dry due to sun exposure, the ground retains plenty of moisture, making it risky to hike. When walking such terrain, ensure your shoes have good traction, and use trekking poles as stabilizers to avoid accidentally stepping deep into mud. Additionally, during spring and autumn, large day-night temperature differences can cause these dirt paths to ice over after rain or snow, significantly increasing danger. In such cases, make full use of trekking poles and any available handholds. Always test the stability of supports before grabbing onto them—that’s crucial.
4. Shrubland
Trail Characteristics:
Shrublands come in many types and can generally be divided into natural and artificial varieties. Natural shrublands are mostly found in dense forests, featuring a variety of low-growing bushes, often on wet, soft, or even swampy ground, which can be quite hazardous. Artificial shrublands are usually located on drier mountain slopes and were planted to prevent wind erosion and stabilize soil. The ground here tends to be dry, sandy, and may appear solid but is actually slippery. Some areas may even have quicksand.
Walking Tips:
When hiking through shrubland, wear glasses and a hat, and zip up your windbreaker. Keep at least a 1.5-meter distance between team members to avoid being hit by branches knocked loose by those ahead. Constantly remind those behind you to avoid straying too far and risking getting lost. When hiking through natural shrubland, it’s best to have support gear and an experienced leader or local guide scout ahead. Beware of short thorns on bushes and the prevalence of insects—wear high-top, deep-tread, non-slip jungle boots, long sleeves, long pants, and protect your face. Artificial shrublands tend to have taller, thornier bushes than natural ones. Bring gloves (preferably leather), long-sleeved high-neck anti-scrape clothing, and sturdy, grippy hiking shoes. Try to stick to wider, less slippery paths, and when possible, use fresh, sturdy branches for support. Change handholds securely, and step slowly and firmly.