Guangzhou Hiking Clubs: My Big 'NOPE!' – A Warning for Fellow Tourists
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Alas, speaking of group hiking trips, I’ve tried it twice here in Guangzhou, and each time only made my headache more severe than the last.
Firstly, I attempted the Sai Kung Trail (a well-known hiking trail in Hong Kong).
How could I put this delicately, our team leaders were practically invisible throughout the entire journey. The group felt disorganized, but other aspects were tolerable at least.
Secondly, I went to a place called Snow Mountain Peak (which can be translated as “Snow Mountain Top”). It was indeed a major catastrophe!
Warning and Caution: Beware of Unprofessional Team Leaders!
As soon as we reached the base of the mountain, the team leader started urging me to give up, continuously declaring, "Don't go up, you won't make it!" I was furious but managed to keep my cool. Still, he persisted in questioning, "Are you really determined to go up?" I thought; with money paid and traveling so far, am I here merely to warm the firm for their company?
Throughout the journey, he acted as a harpy. Every time I took out my water bottle to drink or pulled out some food from my backpack, he’d repeatedly urge me to hurry.
As a result, despite carrying lots of food, I ended up exhausting most of my energy before I could replenish myself at the summit.
Warning and Caution: Beware of “Gear Fanatics” and Arrogant Mentors!
Some teammates were equally weird. They kept scrutinizing what I wore and used. One moment they were saying, "Oh dear, your shoes aren’t right, buy XXX Brand for professional quality!" Then they would advise on walking techniques, saying, "The way you walk isn’t appropriate, you should move like this..."
I’d come here intending to clear my mind and relax, and their insistent remarks had set me ablaze! I couldn't escape them, they were constantly bickering, never shutting up.
Warning and Caution: Ensure Thorough Emergency Plans and Logistics Support!
On the journey back, we encountered more frustration. Our vehicle broke down halfway home, leaving us more than an hour away from Guangzhou. From around 9 pm, we started to request rescue, only to keep receiving responses of "the help will arrive in ten minutes," "fifteen minutes" and so forth. We were deceived until nearly midnight, and the rescue service finally arrived at around 12:30 am.
We eventually returned to Guangzhou’s downtown area after one in the morning. Then we had to hail a taxi back home, with all the trouble pushing us towards around three in the morning before we were finally able to lay down in bed close to four.
In summary, this travel agency is a definite minefield, one I’d avoid anytime I see them!
#HikingAcrossTheWorld #OutdoorHiking #Don'tLetWorkStandInTheWayOfMountainClimbing
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After joining a group tour to Huangmei Snow Mountain, the two leaders turned out to be complete novices. We ended up stuck on the mountaintop late at night and had to call for rescue. I seriously thought I was going to die of hypothermia up there.
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I had a similar experience that day, stuck on the highway late at night, freezing in the cold wind for what felt like ages. They kept telling us a car would be there in 'just ten more minutes,' but it was all lies. After waiting for over four hours, we finally got a ride back.
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Could you share the specific name? I'd like to steer clear.
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Join us!
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No thanks. I'm a slow walker, and I like to take my time eating and drinking. Impatient folks wouldn't be able to stand me.
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Oh, you poor thing. It's much more liberating to hike on your own – you can rest whenever you want, take a nap if you feel like it.
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I've only done group tours twice. Usually, I go on my own, taking it easy, snapping photos, enjoying snacks and drinks at my own pace – it's so much more comfortable. I don't think I'll ever want to join a group tour again. It's just different; they're all about the challenge, rushing headlong. That's not for me. I'm out there to genuinely enjoy and experience things.
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I signed up through a public WeChat account to hike a small hill in Zhongshan. Turns out, the trail was barely used. I even took a tumble on the way down. Registration fee was 80, X-rays cost 800, medicine another 800. And the worst part? It's still not healed, and I need to go back to the doctor.
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What a stroke of bad luck!
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How are the 'Baozou Cun' (Fast-Walk Village) groups?
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Never joined them. Within Guangdong, I pretty much always go on my own.
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These commercial groups usually have around 30-40 people. They need to manage time, so those at the back can't fall too far behind, or it'll delay the return trip. So, for people at the tail end, they can't afford to be too slow.
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Shouldn't they check everyone's fitness level before forming the team? If someone's not up to it, they shouldn't be accepted. Once they're in, you can't complain about them being slow.
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I actually think they're pretty good. At least you get some guidance. I went on one trip to Wugong Mountain where the leader hiked up in flip-flops with a backpack. We only found out at dinner that he'd carried two huge watermelons up! With his build, I reckon he could've carried me up too.
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It's different for me. I just want to escape the hustle and bustle of crowds and find some peace and quiet in nature, just to calmly enjoy the scenery.
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Can I pretend this is about our group? We're getting no traction. Heck, even some haters would be welcome for the engagement!
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Surely not?
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When teaming up for hikes, it's usually small, self-drive (carpool) groups.
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I usually go on my own too. This time, my hiking buddy bailed, so I was just looking for a group mainly to get a ride there and back.