HONG KONG, February 27. /TASS/. A young Chinese traveler who got lost and spent 10 days in the mountains survived by eating toothpaste and snow, the South China Morning Post reported, citing Jimu News.
The hiker, 18-year-old Sun Liang, began his solo journey on February 8, exploring the Qinling, a notable east-west mountain range in Shaanxi province known for its average altitude of around 2,500 meters.
He lost contact with his family two days later when his electronic devices ran out of battery. Sun walked along a creek, fell multiple times, and fractured his right arm.
He sought shelter behind a large rock and built a makeshift bed using dry straw and leaves to protect himself from the harsh winds until rescuers found him on February 17.
Sun walked a 170 km-long trail connecting Ao Mountain and Taibai Mountain, regarded as one of China's five most difficult hiking trails due to its unpredictable weather.
Over the past 20 years, more than 50 hikers have been reported missing or have died along this perilous trail.
In 2018, local authorities prohibited tourists from entering the area, warning of penalties for violators.
"I feel terrified after the incident," Sun said on social media after his rescue. "This area is not suitable for hiking at all. The wind was so strong that I could barely maintain my footing, even with two alpenstocks for support. The snow was so heavy that I could hardly open my eyes."
The article stated that the rescue mission, which involved over 30 team members, cost Sun’s family 80,000 yuan (US$11,000).