Live Your Best Lives
As the saying goes: Every country has its laws, every industry has its rules. Hiking, while a basic outdoor recreational activity, is mostly enjoyed for pleasure (the physical exercise we get is a bonus). However, sometimes hikers inevitably interfere with each other or disturb the peace and quiet of locals. This is when some simple basic etiquette comes into play. These naturally derived, unspoken rules need to be adhered to. This not only makes outdoor experiences more enjoyable and regret-free, but also makes outdoor activities safer. Please carefully review the following questions; this will benefit you and everyone else!
I believe that everyone has encountered the situation where people are late when they go out for fun. For example, the meeting time is stipulated to be 7.00-7.30 in the morning, and the departure time is 7.30 on time. 30 minutes have been reserved for everyone to avoid traffic jams on the road. But often, there are still team members who are not punctual. When communicating by phone, they may be 500 meters away from the meeting place 10 minutes ago, and then they call again 10 minutes later and say: It’s almost there, there are only 200 meters left... At this time, the psychological shadow area of the team leader may not be described by numbers. Moreover, we are traveling in a group. If one person is late for 1 minute, dozens of people in the car will be delayed for 1 minute. How can I describe that feeling? I am about to explode on the spot~
This is "travel", the journey of life, every time is live broadcast!
(Picture from Photo Network)
Hikers all over the world are one family. With the rise of hiking, more and more people are embracing this accessible outdoor sport. For single-day hikes, the barrier to entry is low, making it easy for everyone to participate. Enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise – what's not to like? However, for hikes lasting two days or longer, you might need to carry a lot more. Besides personal items like sleeping bags, clothes, food, and water bottles, you might also need to share some shared items like tents, stoves, and pots. At this point, a passionate self-introduction is crucial! Getting to know each other's basic circumstances and encouraging each other along the way can help ensure a more grounded and safe hiking experience.
PS: So, everyone, please be serious when introducing yourself in the future.
(Photo from Leon)
(Picture from Photo Network)
Every time we go out, we will meet different friends. Some of them are career elites, some have just entered the society and are still ignorant. Some have run dozens of marathons, and some have not even had basic exercise. We cannot guarantee that everyone's physical fitness is almost the same. In order to ensure that the team will eventually complete the set hiking goals, teammates need to look out for each other, especially on roads with many forks in the road. It is even more important to ensure the distance between the front and back of the team and keep everyone within the visual range.
This is "chivalry", the spirit of chivalry and mutual help.
As the saying goes, "When two meet on a narrow path, the brave prevail!" While this sounds reasonable and is quite applicable in many situations, when hiking outdoors, one must appropriately control the inner courage. Take Wugong Mountain, for example. A mecca for hikers in East China, it's visited year-round, not to mention weekends and holidays. Although the trails between Wugong Mountain's peaks are relatively spacious, there are still many sections that can only accommodate one person. When hikers ascending and descending cross paths, they must give way to avoid congestion.
As one of the seven principles of LNT (Leave No Trace), respecting the habits of wildlife is our obligation! During hikes, we must ensure we don't disturb their natural habitats, and we absolutely refrain from feeding them processed foods. We must also be vigilant during sensitive periods for animals (such as lactation and mating), and we must properly store food and garbage to prevent them from disturbing us. Hiking in the mountains is a way to relax and exercise, and there's nothing wrong with that, but there should be a limit. Freedom based on restraint is true freedom!
This is the spirit of "guest", the passerby who experiences without disturbing others.
(Picture from Photo Network)
I'm sure everyone has experienced being "howled down a mountain," and I'm no exception. The most outrageous experience was when I was climbing a mountain when a sudden, "ghostly howling" erupted from the top. It was incredibly creepy... but understandable, since everyone needs to let off steam sometimes. You thought that was the end of it? You'd be foolish! Within seconds, the roaring continued, one after another. If you weren't aware, you might have thought the wolves were coming down the mountain to hunt. It gave me a fright. I wanted to stop them, but I felt powerless.
Many years ago, people were advocating that when traveling, only take away the scenery you see with your own eyes, not take away anything that belongs to the mountains and forests, and leave no trace other than your footprints. But now, thinking carefully, we may need to add another restriction: enjoy the scenery in a civilized manner!
(Picture from Photo Network)
Camping, as a unique overnight stay in the mountains, holds special significance for hikers. The moment we light a campfire, the distance between us grows closer. At that moment, everyone present becomes one, united only by a single shared attribute: "China Travel Note!" What matters isn't where we go, but who we go with. These slogans aren't just slogans; the encounters around the campfire create lifelong, unforgettable memories. Everyone takes out their own snacks, takes turns nibbling on the same watermelon, applies mosquito repellent to one another, and witnesses everyone's innocent, bright smiles—that's enough. Sharing is inherently joyful, especially when surrounded by lovely people.
Of course, while we indulge our uninhibited love of freedom, we must also consider the interests of others and avoid making noise, especially at crowded campsites! Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine you're tired after a day of hiking and just want to lie down for a good night's sleep, but there's a constant commotion outside. That's like being in your train berth, ready to go to sleep, when Phoenix Legend's "The Vast Horizon Is My Love" blares from the hallway. It's a terrible feeling.
PS: When you leave the campsite, remember to take away everything that does not belong here, so that later hikers can also enjoy the same campsite as we did when we came here!
(Picture from Photo Network)
In addition, if you snore and grind your teeth at night, please camp far away.
(Picture from Photo Network)
No trace, that’s what a mountain forest should be like;
Hiking is a pure spiritual practice.
Hiking isn't just walking in the traditional sense, nor is it the race-walking event in sports competitions. Instead, it refers to a purposeful, medium- to long-distance walk through suburban areas, rural areas, or mountainous terrain. It's a typical and distinctive form of outdoor exercise, and is considered the most natural way to connect with nature. During a hike, we should take what we bring with us, leaving no trace except for documenting the beautiful scenery. This is what we should do, because we are all children of nature, and no one has the right to disrupt the ecological balance.
In addition to the above-mentioned larger concepts of hiking etiquette, there are also the following small details that you need to pay attention to!
1. Water is not borrowed
Water is always at a premium when it comes to outdoor activities, especially long hikes (such as in deserts, uninhabited areas, or deep mountain forests). Experienced hikers familiarize themselves with the availability of water along their routes and manage their water intake based on the length of the journey and the capacity of their water bottles. However, beginners, lacking experience, often drink without restraint. Once they've finished their own water, they ask others for more. Imagine the awkward situation: if they borrow, they won't have enough water for what they need, which is unhygienic. If they refuse, they'll be seen as lacking team spirit and unwilling to share. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right water bottle or hydration bag based on your specific needs and the specific route you're taking. Learn to manage your water intake, remembering to drink in large gulps and swallow in small sips.
2. Light is not borrowed
Take the night hike in Hangzhou, for example. This is part of China-TravelNote's weekly charity outdoor activities. However, since it takes place at night, light becomes essential. Experienced hikers have their own standards and will bring a headlamp or flashlight to ensure safety during the hike. However, some new hikers, shunning the hassle of bringing no light or very few lights, often end up scrambling to borrow from others when their own lights run out, never considering that others may have only brought enough for their own needs. Furthermore, light is essential for everyone's safety during the night hike! Therefore, don't let laziness or inattention lead you to overdo it and burden others and the group.
3. Sleeping bags are not available for rent
When camping outdoors, a sleeping bag is essential for a safe, comfortable, and warm sleep. While some campsites offer rental services, most hikers bring their own sleeping bags, as they are personal belongings. Hygiene issues aside, what happens to someone who lends you their sleeping bag? Therefore, it's essential to bring your own. You don't need to buy a fancy one; an ordinary fleece or cotton bag will suffice.
Note: Of course, it is best to bring your own protective gear such as trekking poles, knee pads and gloves!
Finally, we also need to pay attention to the privacy issues of fellow travelers such as work, age, marriage, etc. Don't ask questions that should not be asked, and avoid talking about too many things with people you just met.
IT IS NOT DEATH MOST PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF
IT IS GETTING TO THE END OF LIFE ONLY TO REALIZE
THAT YOU NEVER TRULLY LIVED.
May everyone follow the apricot yellow flag of China-TravelNote,
Let’s start a real journey together!
NO PLACE TOO FAR.
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