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Yandang Mountain Climbers Delayed Over Crowding on Via Ferrata Route

Yandang Mountain Climbers Delayed Over Crowding on Via Ferrata Route

May 7, 2024

Yandang Mountain, Zhejiang Province, China -  A recent incident involving climbers stuck on a via ferrata route at Yandang Mountain in eastern China has highlighted concerns about overcrowding at popular tourist destinations. The climbers were reportedly delayed for over an hour due to the high volume of visitors on the fixed climbing route.

Yandang Mountain Climbers Delayed Over Crowding on Via Ferrata Route

Viral Images Spark Safety Discussion

Images showing climbers suspended on the cliffside along the metal rungs sparked discussion on social media, with some users expressing anxiety about the situation. The incident also raised questions about emergency procedures in case of a fall, though reports confirm all climbers were wearing safety gear.

Yandang Mountain Climbers Delayed Over Crowding on Via Ferrata Route

Management Acknowledges Shortcomings

The Wenzhou Dingcheng Sports Development Co., Ltd., which manages the via ferrata, issued a statement acknowledging its underestimation of visitor numbers. The company cited a lack of effective crowd control measures, including a ticketing system, as a contributing factor to the congestion.

Temporary Halt and Future Measures

In response to the incident, the company has implemented a temporary halt on ticket sales for the via ferrata. Additionally, they have announced plans to develop a traffic control system to manage visitor flow in the future.

Yandang Mountain Climbers Delayed Over Crowding on Via Ferrata Route

About Yandang Mountain

Yandang Mountain, located approximately 410 kilometers south of Shanghai, is a popular tourist destination in Zhejiang Province. The mountain boasts a peak elevation of 1,150 meters and is currently on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The incident occurred during China's Labor Day holiday, which typically sees a surge in tourist activity.