When the Singapore Professional Centre organised the China tours, China was not ready for tourism. Therefore, there was no cable car or chairlift during our visit to Yellow Mountain to bring visitors to the top. Visitors must climb up on foot. We were told that walking up was the best way to appreciate the beauty of the mountain’s unusual rock formation and appearance and the beautiful pine trees.
We were not warned of the fall risk at certain sections of the climbing route. There was quite a significant disparity in the climb speed among group members as some may not have been used to so much walking and climbing on walking trails where there are no proper steps in some sections of the route. Some members required the paid service of 2 porters to carry them on chairs affixed to 2 bamboo poles resting on the shoulders of two porters.
The most treacherous and treacherous section of the climbing route was the notorious “Crucian Carp Back” or “Back of the Crucian Carp Fish”. It is the only way to reach the top of the scenic Tiandu Peak. It is a narrow walkway about 3 ft wide and 15 ft long, connecting two elevated portions of the rocky mountain. On either side of the narrow strip of walkway are cliffs. There is no railing or rope for climbers to hold onto while crossing. A slight imbalance or momentary dizziness would cause a catastrophic fall!
We were not warned of the need to pass through such a high falling-risk obligatory path and were not informed of the incidence of falls at the place. Seeing such a high-risk, narrow walking path almost stopped the group from proceeding further. Fortunately, the porters were a great help to those who were too frightened even to look down. They closed their eyes while being carried across. It was a great relief when everyone managed to proceed to the final destination of Tiandu Peak.
We stayed for the night at a hotel. As the night was cold and dark, we needed pots and wide-mouth bottles to be placed in our rooms so that we would not venture out to the outdoor toilets should the need arise! At 4.40 a.m., we were awakened by our Chinese Guide to be ready to watch the sunrise at the peak. It was a beautiful sight well worth waking up early. After a late breakfast, we proceeded with our descent.
After arriving at a hotel in Huangshan City nearby in the evening, some members were glad to receive massage services for their tired bodies and limbs. The following morning, two private medical practitioner members said they had a chilling dream of falling off the cliff while climbing.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
