Young China hiker survives by eating toothpaste after lost in cold mountains for 10 days

An 18-year-old man has been successfully rescued after being lost for 10 days in the frigid, mountainous terrain of northwestern China.

During the harrowing period when he faced food shortages, Sun Liang managed to survive on river water, melted snow, and even toothpaste, as reported by Jimu News.

Sun began his solo hiking adventure on February 8, venturing into the Qinling, a prominent east-west mountain range in Shaanxi province known for its average altitude of around 2,500 metres and an impressive diversity of plant and wildlife.

He lost contact with his family just two days later when his electronic devices ran out of battery.

Stranded in the wilderness, Sun recounted walking downstream along a creek and falling several times, which resulted in a fracture in his right arm.

(Sun lost contact with his family two days after entering the area when his e-devices died and ended up getting stranded in the wilderness. Photo: QQ.com)

To shelter from the harsh winds, he took refuge behind a large rock and constructed a makeshift bed using dry straw and leaves until he was found by rescuers on February 17.

According to reports, a local search and rescue team ventured into the mountains at the request of his worried family.

While setting up a fire, Sun caught a whiff of the smoke and yelled for help, successfully capturing the attention of his rescuers.

The 170km-long Ao-Tai Line, the route Sun was navigating, connects Ao Mountain and Taibai Mountain and is considered one of the five most challenging hiking trails in China due to its notoriously unpredictable weather.

Over the past two decades, more than 50 hikers have been reported missing or have perished along this treacherous trail.

In 2018, local authorities imposed a ban on travellers entering the area, promising to enforce administrative penalties against violators.

(In 2018, local authorities banned travel to this dangerous area, promising penalties for violators. Photo: QQ.com)

Despite this, some adventurers still boldly pursue hikes there.

Remarkably, Sun is believed to be the first individual rescued after becoming lost in this perilous region.

(Worried, his family requested a local search and rescue team, costing them US$11,000. Photo: QQ.com)

Ref: Young China hiker survives by eating toothpaste after lost in cold mountains for 10 days Photo Credit-QQ.com