On the evening of January 11, a hiker from Hunan Province tragically lost his life while undertaking a solo pilgrimage on Mount Wutai. According to a statement from the Mount Wutai Scenic Area Emergency Management Bureau, the hiker was found without vital signs. His identity is currently undergoing further verification.

It is understood that Mount Wutai experiences extremely harsh winter conditions, with temperatures on the summit plummeting below -20°C, accompanied by extreme weather such as strong winds, blizzards, and dense fog, making hiking extremely dangerous. Park staff indicate that hikers entering restricted areas without authorization frequently cause accidents, and the vast expanse of the scenic area poses significant challenges for safety enforcement.    

On January 12, the Emergency Management Bureau of Wutai Mountain Scenic Area issued an announcement reminding visitors that unauthorized hiking or pilgrimage to the sacred sites is prohibited during winter. Any consequences resulting from unauthorized actions will be borne solely by the individuals involved, and rescue expenses must also be covered by them. The announcement emphasized that winter hiking poses multiple dangers including extreme cold, hypothermia, and disorientation, urging visitors to value their lives and respect nature.

In recent years, safety incidents during winter visits to Mount Wutai have become increasingly common. In 2020, three hikers became stranded after losing their way, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals. As cold waves intensify, hiking risks on Mount Wutai have further escalated, prompting scenic area authorities to once again urge visitors to avoid reckless behavior.