An 18-year-old trekker who went missing in the rugged mountains of northwestern China has been rescued alive after surviving harsh conditions for 10 days. Sun Liang had set out alone on February 8 but was left stranded in the isolated Qinling mountain range in Shaanxi province. The South China Morning Post quoted that he was finally rescued after a desperate bid for survival.

Lost in the wilderness: How Sun Liang survived

Sun lost contact with his family on February 10 when his electronic devices went dead, with no means of calling for rescue. Stranded in a region with an average elevation of 2,500 meters, he survived on river water, melted snow, and even toothpaste. While trying to make his way downstream along a creek, he fell several times and fractured his right arm. Seeking shelter, he huddled behind a rock and used dry straw and leaves to create a makeshift bed against the harsh winds.

Increasingly concerned, Sun's family reported him missing to search and rescue teams, who quickly set out to search the mountains for him. On February 17, attempting to light a fire, Sun detected the scent of smoke and started screaming for help. His screams were heard by rescuers, resulting in his rescue.

Sun had been walking the infamous Ao-Tai Line, a 170-km trail between Ao Mountain and Taibai Mountain. The track is noted for its volatile weather, and since the last two decades, over 50 trekkers have vanished or lost their lives while trying to finish it. 

Chinese officials banned hiking up the Ao-Tai Line in 2018, threatening serious punishment for disobeying the ban. Adventure-seekers still try it, though. Sun, already having ascended three of China's most well-known snowy mountains, said he didn't know about the ban. His desire, he said, was just to "meet the challenge." 

After his experience, Sun posted on social media discouraging people from making the attempt.

"I feel terrified after the incident," he admitted. "This area is not suitable for hiking at all. The wind was so strong that I could barely maintain my footing, even with two alpenstocks for support. The snow was so heavy that I could hardly open my eyes. In short, navigating this line is exceedingly difficult. Furthermore, there are no picturesque views. The weather changes abruptly. I urge all mountain climbers contemplating tackling the Ao-Tai Line: you absolutely must not go, as life is invaluable."

The rescue operation to save Sun had over 30 rescuers and cost his family 80,000 yuan (₹9.1 lakh). A member of the rescue team emphasized that charging for such operations serves as a deterrent for adventurers who might consider taking similar risks.

“We also want to remind the public that hiking along this route could expose them to encounters with dangerous wildlife, including bears, antelopes, and wild boars. Some of our rescuers sustained injuries during this operation,” the rescuer said.

Extreme survival tales are often headline news. Last year, a Taiwanese man survived 10 days in a ravine before being rescued when villagers detected a clogged water pipe and traced the problem to him. 

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