On October 9, 2023, in Guangzhou, local reporters highlighted the upcoming Chongyang Festival on October 11, a day traditionally celebrated by locals through hill climbing to seek blessings. According to the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Forestry and Landscape, there is an anticipated increase in visitors to popular scenic spots starting October 10, the day before the festival.
To ensure safety during these spontaneous climbing excursions, the city has designated 11 approved climbing sites, including Baiyun Mountain, Yuexiu Mountain, Canton Tower, Huolu Mountain, Maofeng Mountain, Longtou Mountain Forest Park, Furong Peak, Lianhua Mountain, Tianhou Temple, Fengyunling Forest Park, and Jiaoshiling Forest Park.
A spokesperson from the Chongyang Festival Climbing Safety Command advised residents to stay informed about travel alerts and adequately prepare for their climbing ventures. They emphasized the importance of checking weather conditions and public transportation schedules, as well as opting for less busy times to avoid crowds.
During the festival, the city plans to implement crowd control measures based on real-time visitor data, encouraging residents to remain attentive to official announcements when planning their outings.
Furthermore, the community is urged to enhance their safety awareness and improve risk prevention skills. Visitors are encouraged to prioritize personal safety, climb in an organized manner, avoid pushing or shoving, and preferably travel in groups instead of alone or at night. They should also be cautious of remote areas with limited communication and potential hazards.
Additionally, heightened vigilance regarding forest fire prevention is crucial. Residents are prohibited from bringing fire-starting materials, flammable or explosive items, or engaging in any form of outdoor fire in climbing areas. Various forest fire departments in Guangzhou will establish fire inspection stations at trail entrances and popular climbing locations, increasing patrols to safeguard the forest. The community is encouraged to look out for one another, report any signs of illegal fires or forest fires immediately, and utilize the forest fire alarm hotline at 12119.
