Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Eighteen-year-old Sun Liang from China, who had only recently taken up hiking, decided to challenge himself with what he termed the “graduation project of Chinese mountaineers.” After two weeks of preparation, he embarked on a solo journey along the Ao-Tai Trail in the Qinling Mountains of northwestern China, equipped with 32kg of gear and a downloaded trail map to navigate potential connectivity issues. He began his trek on February 8.
However, technology that functions well under optimal conditions can falter in extreme cold. Just two days into his adventure, Sun’s power bank failed, his phone lost battery, and he found himself unable to navigate. A serious fall left him unconscious, resulting in the loss of his food provisions and navigation aids.
Sun was now lost on what is considered one of the most treacherous trails in China, without any food and with no means to call for assistance.
The Ao-Tai Trail
Stretching approximately 170 kilometers between the Ao and Taibai Mountains near Xi’an, the Ao-Tai Trail is renowned for its scenic beauty and perilous conditions. The path reaches an average altitude of about 2,500 meters and leads to the imposing summit of Taibai, standing at 3,700 meters.
Weather along the trail is notoriously severe and unpredictable—visitors may encounter sunny conditions in one area only to face snow, violent storms, and dense fog just a short distance away. At times, Sun found the strong winds so challenging that they threatened his ability to stand upright.
In addition to the treacherous weather and high elevation, hikers contend with steep drops and occasional wildlife encounters, including bears and wild boars. Due to the significant number of fatalities and disappearances—46 reported between 2012 and 2017—officials prohibited access to the trail in 2018. Sun, however, was reportedly unaware of these restrictions.
Despite its dangers, the Ao-Tai Trail draws thrill-seekers intrigued by its notorious reputation. Photo: Explore Unbound
Survival Tactics
Believing he was closer to the trail’s end, Sun decided to forge ahead, hoping that pressing on would lead him to rescue. He endured through pain, hunger, and extreme fatigue.
One night, attempting to ward off freezing temperatures, he fashioned a makeshift shelter with dried leaves behind a boulder. On another occasion, he had to keep moving to maintain warmth.
In a desperate attempt to stave off starvation, Sun resorted to consuming toothpaste. While the ingredients are considered safe in small doses, this choice made him feel ill and provided little in terms of nutrition—definitely not a viable survival strategy.
Sun managed to survive without food for five additional days. On the tenth day, February 17, he detected the smell of smoke, which led him to shout for help, knowing that it indicated the presence of others.
Fortunately, the smoke came from a group of rescuers who quickly located him. They provided sustenance and, together, they spent one last night on the mountain before returning to safety the following day, where his relieved family awaited him.
The Qinling Mountains feature icy ridgelines that present both beauty and danger. Photo: Shutterstock
Consequences for Recklessness
However, his misadventure carried a heavy financial consequence. Sun’s family was fined 80,000 yuan (approximately $11,000) to cover the search and rescue operations, during which several rescuers sustained injuries. This penalty primarily aims to discourage future hikers from attempting the dangerous trail.
Source
explorersweb.com