Culture
Two Hikers Rescued After 30 Hours in Beijing Mountains Due to Folklore Fears
Two elderly individuals were rescued after spending nearly 30 hours lost in the mountains of Beijing, having ignored rescue teams due to a superstitious belief.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, two individuals—a 73-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman—were rescued after being stranded for nearly 30 hours in the mountains of Beijing’s Huairou District. The pair, who were neighbors, had gone to the area to collect herbs on July 29 but became lost.
Rescue operations were initiated after local authorities were notified of their disappearance. The search was complicated by the rugged, slippery terrain and the fact that the individuals lacked mobile phones, food, and water. Furthermore, both individuals reportedly suffer from hearing impairments.
Upon being located by rescue teams after a 17-hour search, the pair revealed that they had heard the rescuers calling out to them for a significant amount of time but chose not to respond. They explained that they were influenced by a local folk belief suggesting that answering a voice heard in the mountains could lead to being lured by supernatural entities.
For travelers and residents, this incident highlights the critical importance of carrying communication devices and informing others of travel plans when entering remote areas. While the individuals were safely recovered, the incident underscores how cultural beliefs can impact emergency response outcomes. It remains to be confirmed if any additional safety measures will be implemented in the Huairou mountain trails to prevent similar occurrences.