Crossing Through Grass and Shrubs
First, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Carefully observe the route and direction to avoid getting lost. Don’t follow too closely behind the person in front to prevent being hit or scratched by branches or vegetation. Always watch out for holes or rocks hidden in the grass to avoid tripping or falling, and stay alert for beehives or ant nests. Use a stick to part the undergrowth, and step with knees slightly raised to reduce the risk of snake or insect bites.

Walking on Gravel
If there are other viable routes, try to avoid walking on gravel as much as possible. When you must cross gravel, first test whether the stones are stable. Avoid stepping down forcefully all at once, as this can easily cause you to lose balance, slip, or get injured.

Crossing Plank Walkways
Here, plank walkways refer to narrow paths along canyon edges, with cliffs on one side and river valleys on the other, allowing only single-file passage. Since hikers carry backpacks, sudden turns or crouches can cause the pack to bump against the rock wall and push you off the path, creating danger. The correct method is to face the rock wall and slowly sidle along.

Wading Across Rivers
When unsure of the water depth, use a small stick roughly as tall as yourself to probe the way ahead. If the water is shallower than knee height, in summer you can roll up your pant legs and wade slowly. Avoid going barefoot; it's safer not to remove your shoes. If there are dry stones to step on, choose those and avoid wet ones, which are more slippery. Also make sure the stones are stable (you can also test them with the stick) before shifting your weight. Some stones are unsteady and can cause serious injuries like fractures. If the water is deep, don’t take the risk—consider finding an alternate route or another method.

Walking in the Rain
The biggest headache when walking in the rain is mud sticking to your shoes, making progress very difficult and increasing the risk of slipping. Therefore, tie your shoelaces tightly to prevent shoes from coming off in muddy patches. When climbing uphill through mud, it’s best to use shoe spikes (for anti-slip purposes) or trekking poles. If you can buy straw shoes from local farmers, that’s even better.

Uphill Sections
Lift your feet naturally, and don’t take overly large steps. Taking big strides can cause your body to sway side to side, losing balance—you should walk step by step with stability. Remember not to lift your knees too high; try to use the strength of your thigh muscles to lift your body. Also avoid grabbing onto trees or other plants. On steep mountain paths, avoid climbing straight up—instead, alternate left and right (in a zigzag pattern) to ascend.

Downhill Sections
Downhill paths often feel easier, but disrupting your natural walking rhythm can easily lead to falls and injury. Especially avoid running or jumping, which puts you at high risk of hurting yourself. Experienced hikers always take downhill paths slowly and tie their shoelaces tightly to prevent their toes from hitting the front of the shoe and injuring them. If the slope is too steep, you can descend in a zigzag or even sidestep down.

Crossing Suspension Bridges
Suspension bridges tend to sway side to side, so it’s best for people to cross one at a time. Never crowd, to avoid accidents. If you have a fear of heights, don’t look down at the river below (especially if the current is rapid)—try to focus your gaze about 100 meters ahead on the bridge itself. Also, don’t alter your walking pace; maintain a steady rhythm as you cross.

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