Photo of Sun Huitao (far right) and Wei Feng (second from left) at departure.
After Henan hikers were successfully rescued, yet another hiking accident has drawn widespread attention and reignited debate over whether rescue efforts for stranded adventurers waste public resources.
Previously, such incidents have occurred frequently. On April 5 last year, Beijing police dispatched helicopters twice to rescue 56 lost hikers trapped in the mountains; on January 27 this year, a tourist in Fujian fell off a cliff while climbing Mount Siguniang’s third peak, prompting the scenic area to deploy 45 rescuers in six teams... Each hiking accident triggers online debate over whether the rescue efforts squander public resources.
Some netizens argue that those seeking challenges must prioritize safety—adventure should not turn into peril, nor joy into sorrow. Others claim the costs of rescue operations squander public resources, and that individuals engaging in risky behavior shouldn’t expect society to foot the bill.
Others counter: While hiking is a personal choice, hikers are also taxpayers—why shouldn’t they be entitled to use public resources and services?
An official from the Dengfeng City Public Security Bureau, frequently involved in Songshan Mountain rescues, noted that police are duty-bound to aid those in distress, but such rescues do consume significant public resources. He advised that while mountain climbing is meant for fitness and leisure, those lacking proper survival skills or preparation should avoid risky expeditions.
It was reported that the two Henan hikers exploring Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon did not register with local authorities. According to the China Mountaineering Association, unauthorized “sneak climbs” have become a persistent issue in China’s outdoor community, accounting for over 85% of all related accidents.
How to prevent future tragedies? Should the government regulate? Dr. Liu Simin, a special researcher at the Tourism Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that frequent casualties in outdoor activities stem largely from insufficient awareness of their risks. China currently lacks comprehensive laws governing outdoor sports, so the government should bring profit-driven organizers and commercial entities under legal oversight to manage, regulate, and penalize outdoor activities.
Liu Fengbin, a lawyer specializing in tourism cases at Henan Juming Law Firm, argued that blocking rather than guiding hiker exploration is counterproductive. Setting entry thresholds and unified standards for outdoor activities is essential, along with a registration system to boost participant safety.
Hikers finally rescued
Self-rescue knowledge learned before entering the mountains proved crucial
The three hikers trapped in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon avalanche have been found. On May 13, reporters contacted frontline rescuers to learn about the operation.
“Thank you, brave rescuers!” said “Time Speaks,” leader of Henan Outdoor Rescue Team. The messenger was Barden, a local Tibetan and one of the first seven rescuers who ventured into the canyon with guides.
Barden recounted that after three days and nights of trekking, the first rescue team reached the site on the afternoon of May 7. By then, Wei Feng and two porters had been trapped for eight days. Seeing outsiders, the three wept with relief. The team found that the food left by Sun Huitao—who had gone for help—was nearly gone. Though weak, the trio were out of immediate danger.
The team sent Barden down to deliver news. He trekked for three days and nights, reaching Galaya Village on the evening of May 12 and reporting via satellite phone: “All three are alive.”
“Time Speaks” said Wei Feng’s pre-trip self-rescue knowledge proved vital—early wound care and medication use bought critical time. They also carried ample supplies like medicine, gauze, and bandages.
“Time Speaks” added that the hikers took 11 days to traverse the route, while the first rescue team needed just three days and nights, and Barden took three days and nights to deliver the message.
Rescue command noted that the three are now being escorted out of the canyon on foot (stretchers weren’t feasible; they’re being carried). They’re expected to reach the rescue base by May 18.