Nanshan recommends safe hiking routes for Double Ninth Festival

A panoramic view from the top of Dananshan Mountain. File photo.

As the number nine (九) is pronounced the same as "long-lasting" (久) in Chinese, Chinese people celebrate the Double Ninth Festival on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month to honor and care for elders, practice healthy habits, and wish for longevity and good fortune.

That's why the most iconic custom for the occasion, which falls on Sunday (Oct. 18) this year, is to hike to high places. People climb mountains, towers, or pavilions to enjoy autumn views and "ascend to good fortune."

Nanshan District authorities today recommended several routes for those planning to scale Dananshan Mountain or Tanglang Mountain, so that hikers can enjoy the outdoors safely and in an orderly manner.

For Dananshan Mountain:

The recommended hiking routes for Dananshan Mountain.

Ascent route 1: From Minghua Center (near Guishan Villas) up to Qitian Pavilion

Descent route 1: From Qitian Pavilion down via Hiking Trail No. 1

Metro: Line 2/8 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit H, then walk 10 minutes

Ascent route 2: From the North hiking trail entrance via the mountain road up to the summit watch station

Descent route 2: From the summit watch station down to the Customs hiking entrance via stone stairs on the south; or from the summit watch station down via Hiking Trail No. 8, which follows stone stairs on the north

Metro: Line 12 to Huaguoshan Station (花果山站), Exit C2, then walk 7 minutes

For Tanglang Mountain:

The recommended hiking routes for Tanglang Mountain.

Ascent route: Follow the southern ring road to the summit

Descent route: From the summit via the southern ring road to the southern hiking trail entrance

Metro: Line 7 to Taoyuancun Station (桃源村站), Exit D, then walk 7 minutes

Call 12119 to alert authorities to a forest fire.

The local government also reminded hikers to take precautions against forest fires, as the weather has been crisp and clear recently.

Please do not carry fire sources, knives, flammable and explosive materials, or other dangerous items while hiking, the official notice said.

Hiking Tanglang Mountain at night (9 p.m.–6 a.m.) or hiking the section of Yangtai Mountain in Nanshan is prohibited for safety reasons.

Other traditions observed on the Double Ninth Festival

As chrysanthemums bloom in autumn and symbolize longevity and nobility, people admire the blossoms, and in some regions drink chrysanthemum wine or tea, which is thought to promote health and ward off evil.

People tuck dogwood twigs into their hair or clothing, or wear small pouches of the plant to repel evil spirits and prevent illness.

Some eat a special cake, because the Chinese character for cake (糕) sounds like "height" (高). Eating the cake symbolizes "rising higher step by step" and progress in life.

Apart from visiting elderly family members, friends, or relatives and giving them gifts, some also worship ancestors or give thanks for the harvest.