Hiking fitness trails should be set up in areas with mobile phone signal coverage as much as possible. Recently, the Municipal Quality Supervision Bureau has solicited public opinions on the local standard “Specifications for the Establishment and Maintenance of Hiking Fitness Trails,” with feedback accepted until March 20.
The standard specifies that hiking trails should preferably be located in regions rich in mountainous and ecological resources, and within a 1.5 to 3-hour drive from densely populated central cities. The selection and design of hiking trail routes should align with the intended functions of the trail system. The difficulty level of completed routes should not exceed the expected difficulty. The setup of hiking routes should facilitate rescue and medical assistance by response teams, and enable users to evacuate easily from the trail.
The standard also stipulates that trails should be laid out in areas with mobile phone signal coverage as far as practicable. Infrastructure along the trail such as signage systems and landscape features should be uniformly numbered to help hikers accurately pinpoint their location when seeking help. Alarm points along the trail should be established at relatively elevated and easily observable positions in areas with complex terrain or where getting lost is more likely. The distance between alarm points should not exceed one hour (or 5,000 meters) of travel. Each alarm point should include basic information such as a help phone, alarm point number, and nearby route directions. Additionally, medical rescue equipment and medicines should be provided at reception stations, with designated medical aid points established. Medical departments are also required to train management personnel and rescue team members in first aid.