Latest news with #MacLehoseTrail
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): MacLehose Trail marker removal sparks safety fears
Content provided by British Council [1] A video has surfaced online showing a man removing a distance marker on Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail. The act has upset many internet users. They are concerned that his actions could pose risks for hikers who might need emergency assistance. [2] The 21-second clip has been widely shared on the Chinese social media platform RedNote. It shows a man pulling up marker No. 148 along the Tai Mo Shan trail. While speaking in Mandarin, he says something that can be translated as 'I easily handled the MacLehose Trail.' He then lifts the pole onto his shoulder and jogs a short distance. [3] The man in the video also says: 'Goodbye to this 148, don't even think about taking photos here; I'm taking it away.' Later in the clip, he returns the marker to its original position and says: 'That was too tiring'. [4] The user had recently posted content referencing the MacLehose Trail. But this clip raised safety concerns. Distance posts are important markers that help hikers understand where they are and ensure rescuers can locate them during emergencies. [5] The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department stated that it had immediately dispatched staff to the location upon learning of the incident. 'We discovered that the base of distance post number M148 was loose. We have cordoned off the post and will arrange for repairs and reinforcement as soon as possible,' a department spokesman said. 'Regarding the online video, the department will follow up and conduct an investigation.' [6] Intentionally or carelessly damaging any installations, including distance posts and fences managed by the department within country parks or special areas, is a criminal offence. One can be fined up to HK$2,000 (approximately US$257) and face up to three months in jail. Ongoing damage can lead to an additional HK$100 fine per day. [7] In recent years, Hong Kong's scenic hiking trails have become increasingly popular among visitors from mainland China. The MacLehose Trail stretches nearly 100km across the New Territories. Source: South China Morning Post, May 11 Questions 1. What does 'the act' in paragraph 1 refer to? 2. According to what the man says in paragraph 3, why did he return the marker? 3. One of the primary purposes of distance posts is for hikers to ..., according to paragraph 4. A. get help quickly B. take photographs C. take rest D. find out how far they have walked 4. In paragraph 5, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said post number M148 needs to be … and … . A. repair; reinforces B. repairing; reinforce C. repaired; reinforced D. repairs; reinforcement 5. What is the maximum amount of time a person could go to jail for purposely damaging trail markers, according to paragraph 6? 6. Based on paragraph 7, the MacLehose Trail is almost 100km … A. deep. B. high. C. wide. D. long. Distance markers are very important on hiking trails, and it is against the law to damage them. Photo: Handout Answers 1. A man removing a distance marker from Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail. 2. It was too tiring carrying it. (accept all similar answers) 3. A 4. C 5. three months 6. D
South China Morning Post
11-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hongkongers left outraged after clip shows hiker removing MacLehose Trail marker
An online video showing a man removing a distance marker from Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail has sparked anger among internet users, who have warned that the act could have put hikers in need of emergency rescue at even greater risk. Advertisement The 21-second clip was circulating widely on Chinese social media platform RedNote and shows the man pulling up marker No 148 on a section of the trail at Tai Mo Shan. Speaking in Mandarin, the individual can be heard making light of the situation and saying something that roughly translates to 'easily handled MacLehose Trail' as he hoists the pole onto his shoulder and jogs a short distance. The man in the video also says: 'Goodbye to this 148, don't even think about taking photos here; I'm taking it away.' Later in the clip, he returns the marker to its original position and says: 'that was too tiring'. Advertisement The social account features content about camping in locations across mainland China.
South China Morning Post
06-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Drones can take the Hong Kong hiking experience to new heights
Coldplay's recent concerts at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium sparked a wave of excitement – but for bassist Guy Berryman, the city's allure extended beyond the stage. After the shows, he explored Hong Kong's natural beauty, including hiking the renowned Dragon's Back trail – reflecting the popularity of the city's mountain-and-sea scenery among global travellers. Advertisement How can Hong Kong improve as a world-class hiking destination? One promising solution lies in deploying drones to improve trail safety and convenience, as well as offer a more immersive experience. The timing is opportune – trials for drone deliveries are under way , including medical supply drops to outlying islands. Hong Kong boasts an abundance of internationally renowned hiking trails and natural landscapes. Compared to New York's manicured Central Park, Hong Kong's mountains and seas offer an extreme contrast – the convenience of switching from concrete jungle to pristine wilderness in just 10 minutes is something top cities like Tokyo and Singapore struggle to match. Dragon's Back, for instance, was named Asia's best urban hike by Time magazine in 2004 and was listed among the world's best hiking trails by CNN in 2022. National Geographic named Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail among the world's 20 best hikes in 2016. Snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who took up Hong Kong residency under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, has made no secret of his love for the running trails. In recent years, outdoor tourism has gained popularity as more people look for a temporary escape from bustling city life. Hong Kong's hiking trails are not just a miniature natural museum for outdoor enthusiasts but also a magnet for photography lovers. Advertisement The city's unique blend of mountain and sea scenery is on full display from our many hiking trails – the MacLehose Trail spans Sai Kung's spectacular coastline, the Wilson Trail traverses Kowloon's peaks offering sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Trail winds its way through lush greenery, connecting urban and rural landscapes, and the challenging Lantau Trail scales mist-shrouded Lantau Peak.
