Hikers in Hong Kong need better safety awareness, veteran mountaineers warn after Lion Rock deaths
- Veteran mountaineers say people exploring Hong Kong’s trails lack knowledge or overlook risk factors
- Government does its job by installing warning signs, but many hikers still put themselves in danger to pose for social media posts, they add
Visitors and residents should familiarise themselves with hiking routes, prepare better and avoid danger when they explore Hong Kong’s wild areas, experts have told the Post in the wake of two fatal hiking accidents in as many days.
Chung Kin-man, a veteran mountaineer who conquered Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, in 2003, said although more tourists from mainland China and overseas had become interested in hiking in Hong Kong, many lacked experience and awareness of danger black spots, or even ignored risks to make social media posts.
“They may not be familiar with the environment on the mountain,” Chung said.
“They may not even know whether they are capable of conducting those activities with the equipment, knowledge, and experience that they have.
“Many enjoy posting on social media to share their experiences of hiking in Hong Kong. But did they spend time trying to understand if the environment was safe for them?”