This year Beijing’s windy winter began with a tragedy. Yesterday Beijing News reported that the body of a 53-year-old female hiker was finally found, after hours of searching, by the Beijing Fangshan Blue Sky Rescue Team on November 17 at 2pm. The woman had been blown off a 20 meter high cliff by a gust of strong wind while hiking with her friends.
The captain of Fangshan Blue Sky Rescue Team told the Beijing News reporter that they received the rescue call on November 17. A group of friends had climbed a wild mountain, and while they were crossing a bridge they were blown off a 20-meter-high cliff by the wind. Many were injured, one was missing. “Under the mountain, the wind level is around 7 or 8 but on top of the mountain, it will be around 9. That’s strong enough to carry people around 150 kilos off the cliff. The mountain winds are strong and fierce. They feel like knives cutting into your face,” said Captain Chen.
When Fangshan Blue Sky Rescue Team arrived at the scene, four friends were waiting at the scene and the rest had been evacuated. The rescue team spent two hours searching before finding the body of the 53-year-old at the bottom of the cliff.
As you’re planning your weekend getaways and family outings, don’t underestimate the Beijing weather. A graph from weather.com.cn shows just little wind speed is needed to lift up a grown-up, let alone a small child or your beloved family pet.
Shidu Nature Park is one of Fangshan’s most beautiful natural sceneries and a favorite for Beijing’s to retreat to for fresh air, water sports, and some relaxation in the countryside.
Photo: Beijing News
Source: Beijing News, Weather.cn
