A few days ago, a sudden blizzard struck the navigation frame at the highest point of Aoshan Mountain in Taibai County, halting the steps of 10 hikers. Three were overwhelmed by the storm, while seven suffered severe frostbite.
After the tragedy, Taibai County issued an “eviction order”: outdoor enthusiasts are strictly prohibited from climbing Taibai Mountain and Aoshan Mountain without authorization. Yet, every mountain and valley within the county’s 2,780 square kilometers serves as a path to Taibai or Aoshan. How can the enthusiasm of hikers be stopped? Faced with the most severe “mountain disaster” in the past decade on Taibai and Aoshan Mountains, how to climb scientifically and trek rationally has become a serious and profound challenge.
The Allure of Trekking
“That pristine landscape is full of temptation.” “Climbing high mountains makes you feel alive.”
The unique geographical location of the Qinling Mountains has created its exceptional biological and natural resources. The forests echo with the rustle of pines, high mountain streams cascade down cliffs, alpine meadows are covered in lush green carpets, and the pristine white flowers of the Taibai edelweiss bloom brightly. Among the most alluring sights are reaching the summit of Taibai Mountain’s highest peak, Baxian Terrace, and the so-called Western Taibai, Aoshan Mountain. The mist-shrouded summits and the vast stone seas of the Fourth Glacial Period relics are breathtaking. Heading east from Aoshan, the 40-li Running Horse Ridge atop the mountain stretches endlessly, a truly captivating sight.
The outdoor adventure movement that began more than a decade ago connected people’s curiosity with this magical mountain. Chen Zheng, a professional coach in mountaineering, rock climbing, and outdoor sports, was once an avid promoter of outdoor activities. The Eastern Mountaineering Team, where he worked, represented Shaanxi Province in international and domestic competitions and undertook technical safety designs for numerous large-scale mountain competitions and wilderness activities across the province. During that time, the Eastern Mountaineering Team’s equipment store became a salon where hikers exchanged outdoor experiences and shared their joys.
“Mountain travelers need the serenity of a calm mind. They escape the hustle and bustle, retreat into nature, and seek the simple, unadorned, tranquil, and pure feelings that nature offers,” Chen Zheng described his years of experience in the mountain field. “Walking in the mountains, the tired-but-happy feeling of climbing high invigorates you and fills you with vitality. But for hikers who venture into the mountains without any training, it’s a fight against their own lives. The dangers of the mountains and the unpredictable climate are not as imagined.” He described impulsive hikers as “dancers on the edge of a sword.”
Outdoor enthusiast “Da Cui,” a doctor, heads into the mountains with friends almost every weekend. “The more you walk, the more discerning your eyes become. That untouched natural landscape, free from human traces, always holds great allure for me. The more remote the place, the stronger the call.” Da Cui said, “Each time we go into the mountains, we reflect on the last trip. We can’t rely on luck, because danger is always a companion on the trail.”
“Spring mountains are lively, people are energetic, and sunlight filters through the dense, emerald forests, casting dappled shadows on the ground. When you look up, the sun itself seems to dance,” wrote one netizen describing the beauty of the mountains, which deeply moved another user named “Momo.” Last year, she joined the ranks of hikers. Though petite, she possesses extraordinary perseverance and insight. Each long trek yields a travel guide or blog post. “Momo” said, “The mountains have their own beauty in every season. Experiencing life through the changing seasons is like an endless journey. Only by enduring both hardship and joy, light and darkness, can we understand that kindness and courage are qualities gradually fading in our restless society.”
On weekends, it’s common to see men and women on the streets, backpacks on their backs and trekking poles in hand, either on their way to climb a mountain or heading home afterward.
And so, the mountains become bustling, breaking their former tranquility.
The Pain of Trekking
Nearly 10 Aotai trekking accidents in the past 3 years, 4 deaths already this year
This mountain is incredibly peaceful at the moment, with murmuring streams like soft whispers. Yet at other times, it becomes so fierce it instills dread—the roaring pine winds and raging snowstorms tear at our imagination, leaving behind pain.
On April 29, 1992, six employees from a factory in Xianyang went on a trip to Taibai Mountain together. Along the way, they met two university students from Northwest University. Thus, a group of eight embarked on an unusual journey: they carried no guide maps or medicine, and even the food they brought was minimal. Before setting off, they knew almost nothing about the treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather of Taibai Mountain. On May 2, amid rain and fog, they climbed to the summit of Taibai Mountain—Baxian Terrace. After taking a group photo, exhausted, they prepared to descend. But thick clouds reduced visibility to near zero, and they got lost. Amid freezing winds, they wandered the barren mountaintop for days, and the incident ended in shock, with three lives lost.
On July 28, 2001, when Zhang Xiaoxin from Nankai University and six others were planning a romantic summer trip, little did they know that Zhang Xiaoxin would fall off a cliff at the top of Taibai Mountain. Wang Gaoming, a high-altitude guide who examined the fall site, recalled that the fatal factor might have been the rubber-soled soccer shoes Zhang was wearing. “These football shoes, with their rubber nubs, are very steady on dry surfaces, but extremely slippery on damp or mossy rocks.” At the accident site on Zaibao Peak, there was a slope about 10 meters long with a 45-degree incline. It is believed that when the victim slowly moved to the edge of the cliff, his feet slipped on the soft, damp pine needles and mud, causing him to lose his balance.
On May 1, 2002, Shanghai tourist Hua Zhengrong ventured alone into the Taibai Mountain Nature Reserve for exploration, and all contact was lost. On May 10, nearly 300 police and civilians launched a grueling five-day, five-night search and rescue operation, but to no avail. In a small notebook Hua carried, a message before his death was recorded: “I don’t know what will happen to me… I miss you… my brothers and friends, wish you all the best. Mom and Dad, take care of yourselves!” “Starting today, heavy snow has fallen again on the mountaintop, with thick fog mixed with small hailstones, making the road ahead invisible. I’m lost again…” From the increasingly faint handwriting, it was inferred that Hua Zhengrong met his unfortunate end on May 5 due to hunger and cold.
According to Luo Yuchun, deputy commander of the Shaanxi Shuguang Emergency Rescue Team, in the past three years, there have been over ten dangerous incidents during the Aotai trek, including five this year, resulting in four deaths. Tragedy after tragedy unfolds, serving as a warning, yet unable to deter people’s fascination with the mountains.
During the 2011 Spring Festival, a 29-year-old female hiker from Xi’an, nicknamed “Treading Snow,” entered the Taibai snowfields and went missing for over 20 days, triggering a major search and rescue operation. Eventually, “Treading Snow” returned safely, but online skepticism remained strong.
Just over three months ago, on August 19, 2012, nine hikers climbed Aoshan Mountain, five went missing, and after a search involving over 200 rescuers until the 23rd, one hiker suffered an unfortunate fate.
The Dangers of Trekking
“Thrill-seeking psychology increases risk factors, overestimating one’s abilities, while the ever-changing and deceptive nature of the mountain adds to the danger.”
The Aotai route has Aoshan Mountain to the west, at an elevation of 3,456 meters, and Taibai Mountain to the east, at 3,767.2 meters. It is the highest east-west traverse of the Qinling Mountain ridges. The straight-line distance between them is about 40 kilometers, and the hiking distance is approximately 120 kilometers, with most routes situated above 3,000 meters in elevation.
In January 2010, the People’s Government of Taibai County officially issued a notice prohibiting all outdoor sports enthusiasts from organizing or initiating mountaineering activities at will.
Regarding the frequent accidents, “Hello Big Mountain,” who has 10 years of outdoor experience, said, “The biggest danger in the outdoors is being alone.” Most of those who went missing or died did so because they became lost and stranded in the primeval forests.
“Overestimating one’s abilities and underestimating the complex geographical environment, flora and fauna distribution, and harsh climatic conditions of Taibai Mountain are also significant causes of casualties,” said Wang Gaoming, a guide who has rescued 14 people alone on the Aotai route. “I grew up in the mountains and know every ridge by heart, but for hikers, the scenery in the mountains is highly deceptive.”
Taibai Mountain is crisscrossed with rivers, and the climate changes rapidly, often described as “experiencing four seasons in one day and different weather within ten miles.” Some tourists come unprepared, and some even wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts, only to find the temperature far colder than the weather forecast suggested.
Reviewing the recent “mountain disasters” during treks across Taibai and Aoshan Mountains in recent years, thrill-seeking and exploratory psychology have to some extent increased the risks. “After entering the mountains, many people cannot adapt to the abnormal climate changes and thin air, which can trigger illnesses,” said “Da Cui,” an outdoor enthusiast and doctor. “Some suffer severe injuries from falls, exhaustion, and die; others die from dehydration leading to electrolyte imbalance or hypothermia; and some get trapped and perish due to lack of survival gear and wilderness experience.”
Although explicitly prohibited, this has not stopped outdoor enthusiasts from venturing in. Gao Baohong, former deputy director of the Taibai County Ecology Office, explained that some tourists bypass the protected area entrance fees by climbing from various routes—on the southern slope, these include Longdonggou, Damanghe, and Zhuwagou; on the northern slope, they use Sanchaxia, Baiyungou, and Tangkou. Among these, Longdonggou on the southern slope is a key habitat for the giant panda, a critically protected wildlife species in the Taibai Mountain area. Excessive human activity can adversely affect the survival and reproduction of the giant pandas. Meanwhile, areas like Baiyungou and Tangkou have no established trails at all, being part of pristine forest zones. Certain sections require walking along riverbeds, posing constant risks such as getting lost, wildlife attacks, freezing or starving to death, injuries from falls, or being swept away by flash floods.
Reflections on the Traverse
“Don’t do this—we’re not alone!”
Recently, several outdoor clubs in Xi’an have suspended their Aotai Traverse activities for reflection. Recalling last year’s Spring Festival “Snow Trekking Incident,” 001 Shark, leader of the Xi’an Outdoor Rescue Team, said, “Don’t do this—we’re not alone!”
After safely returning from the “Snow Trek,” she also became the first woman to complete the Aotai Traverse solo in winter. However, her 22-day journey kept everyone on edge.
Recently, after an incident where three out of ten hikers were in danger during the Aotai Traverse, “Aoshan Taibao,” who organized the online event, said that over the past few days, he had been cooperating with the county public security bureau in the investigation and assisting with rescue efforts. “Aoshan Taibao,” who has frostbite marks on his face, has been traversing the Aotai route for three years, averaging 70–80 crossings per year.
Reflecting on the accident, “Aoshan Taibao” was moved to tears several times. “I deeply regret organizing this event. If I continue hiking in the future, I will become a high-altitude rescuer.”
Whenever accidents occur, rescue teams from Xi’an, Baoji, Xianyang, and Shangluo always rush to the scene without delay. These volunteer-based civilian groups spend their time, fuel money, and personal funds to fulfill the vision of “putting lives first.”
“If a professional, well-funded rescue team with medical capabilities could be established, it would truly be a blessing for outdoor enthusiasts,” said “Dahe,” who has participated in numerous rescues. “I often have to take leave from work to carry out rescues. If we had professional search and rescue personnel on call, it would save critical time.”
It is reported that each rescue operation incurs significant expenses, with each day of search and rescue costing 5,000 yuan—all of which comes out of the rescuers’ own pockets.
Some netizens have pointed out that the massive manpower and resources consumed in search and rescue operations after each traverse accident could be better directed toward regulating traverse activities and providing necessary training.
On November 27, the Taibai County government held a special meeting regarding the accident in which three of ten hikers died during the Aotai Traverse, emphasizing the seriousness of mountain entry announcements. The notice added content stating, “With deep snow and temperatures nearing minus thirty degrees, reckless climbing can easily lead to accidents,” on top of the existing warnings. It was also decided to install wire fencing at the Tangkou trailhead in the county to block access roads, and to set up warning signs at Tangkou and at the 23-kilometer mark on the Taiyang Highway to deter unauthorized climbing. The announcement reiterated that any group wishing to climb must be organized by a legally registered entity, accompanied by qualified professional guides and equipped accordingly, and must submit a written application to the Taibai County Ecology Office one week in advance. Only after approval and filing can the climb proceed. Organizations or individuals found violating these regulations will be penalized according to relevant rules. Those responsible for major accidents will be held legally accountable.
Though Taibai County’s measures may seem “harsh,” they are ultimately designed with hikers’ safety in mind and serve as mandatory regulations for climbing and traverse activities.
Faced with the persistent determination of hikers to continue traversing, local government regulations alone are clearly far from sufficient. More regrettably, essential training for traverse activities and assessments of participants’ qualifications are almost non-existent.
>> Reporter’s Note
Learning to Respect Nature
As hiking and traversing become fashionable, we must treat the mountains before us with greater caution and reverence. We love nature so much, yearning to step into the forests, to relive that sense of tranquility and freshness, to reconnect with our ancestral survival instincts. But can we truly return to nature relying on fragmented, pieced-together experience? The answer is no.
When we seek to return to nature, the first lesson is to learn to respect the mountain and abide by its laws of the wild. We must also undergo rigorous training to gradually rebuild our physical endurance and enrich our experience. Only then can you pack your bags, and only then will the mountain before you welcome you.