A mountain in China is so dangerous that hikers have to wear a harness if they want to travel along it.
Mount Huashan is thought to be one of the most dangerous hikes in China and although it boasts some pretty spectacular scenery, it looks seriously treacherous.
The particularly dangerous part of the mountain is a path found on the eastern side of the South Peak, which features a series of narrow wooden planks.
Mount Huashan is known as the ‘number one perilous mountain in China’ (China Photos/Getty Images)
The crossing is believed to have been constructed over 700 years ago by a Taoist priest named He ZhiZen.
While they have been strengthened since then, it’s still a pretty daunting journey, especially considering there are two lines of foot traffic – one with hikers travelling up, and the others travelling down.
While there’s no official figures, it’s thought that 100 people each year die trying to cross the path. Although this is just a rumour, and it’s reported to be much safer now harnesses are a requirement.
These can be purchased prior to the crossing, but according to hikers, they’re not the best.
One man who attempted the path explained: “A man in military uniform was issuing compulsory harnesses for $5 and we enthusiastically grabbed ours. They were of poor quality, only securing the upper body.”
It’s also advised that those aged over 55 years old, or those under 4.9 feet, shouldn’t attempt the plank.
A harness is needed to cross the planks (TripAdvisor)
People have some pretty shocking stories about what it’s like to walk along the plank – and our palms are sweating just reading.
One person wrote on Reddit: “I found it funny that the people working there gave no direction on how to use the harnesses. There are two leads on a waist belt.
“When reaching the end of a section of cable, you should take one off, place it on the next section cable and follow suit with the second cable so that you’re always secured by at least one.
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The view is said to be incredible (TripAdvisor)
“The number of people that were pulling both off at the same time boggled my mind.”
Another added: “Hardest part is going around people coming the opposite direction on the planks/ walking up the steep narrow steps up to solid ground. Scared the f**k out of me when I did it.”
Yeah, it’s a hard no from us.
Featured Image Credit: Den R/Tim D/Tripadvisor
Topics: Travel, World News
