Mountaineers trapped on peak for over an hour amidst overcrowded conditions
The gripping visuals of the mountaineers have created a buzz on social platforms, particularly among outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount Everest isn’t the only peak in the world facing issues of overcrowding. Earlier this week, a group of travelers attempting to climb Yandang Mountain in eastern China found themselves in a challenging situation. They were stuck partway up a cliff, holding onto a rope along a fixed climbing route for over an hour.
Images of climbers hanging off the cliffside while waiting for others to move along the via ferrata, which are metal rungs attached to the mountain, became popular on Chinese social media.
A Chinese online commenter expressed their fear of heights by writing, "This is terrifying! Someone like me, who is afraid of heights, might just wet themselves up there!"
One person said they wouldn't go even if they were offered money. Someone else wondered what would happen if a climber fell and needed to be rescued, but all climbers were seen wearing helmets, harnesses, and safety equipment.
Atop the Acropolis ancient hill, tourists visit the Parthenon temple, background, in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
Atop the Acropolis ancient hill, tourists visit the Parthenon temple, background, in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
Thanassis Stavrakis/AP
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Wenzhou Dingcheng Sports Development Co., Ltd, who oversees the via ferrata, admitted that they didn't expect so many people to be interested in climbing the mountain.
The company admitted that they underestimated the number of customers who would visit, leading to issues with managing the crowd. This, along with the absence of a ticket reservation system and deficiencies in onsite management, resulted in customers being stuck on the climbing route.
They announced a temporary suspension of ticket sales to address the situation internally. Additionally, they revealed plans to implement a traffic-control system for visitors in the future.
Yandang Mountain, located approximately 410 km (255 miles) south of Shanghai in Zhejiang province, stands at a height of 1150 meters (3,773 feet).
The first week of May marks the Labor Day holiday in China, leading to a surge in tourist numbers in the region.
A popular site for holidaymakers in China, Yandang Mountain was submitted for UNESCO World Heritage site designation in 2001 and remains on the tentative list.
Editor's P/S:
The overcrowding on Yandang Mountain is a concerning issue that highlights the need for better crowd management and safety measures at popular tourist destinations. The images of climbers stranded on the cliffside serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure. It is crucial that authorities and tourism operators prioritize the safety and well-being of visitors by implementing effective crowd control systems, limiting access during peak periods, and providing adequate training and equipment to climbers.
Furthermore, the incident on Yandang Mountain underscores the importance of responsible tourism. Visitors should be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with climbing or visiting crowded destinations. By adhering to safety guidelines, respecting the environment, and following instructions from park rangers or guides, tourists can help ensure their own safety and contribute to a more enjoyable experience for all.
