Young man survives 10 days lost in snowy mountains thanks to eating toothpaste

Jimu News reported that during a miserable time when he was facing food shortages, young man Sun Liang managed to survive on river water, melted snow and even toothpaste.

Sun embarked on his solo hiking adventure on February 8, venturing into Qinling, a famous mountain range in Shaanxi province with an average altitude of around 2,500 meters and an impressive diversity of plants and wildlife.

He lost contact with his family just two days later when his electronic devices ran out of battery. Stranded in the snowy mountains, Sun said he walked downstream along a stream and fell several times, breaking his right arm.

To shelter from the strong winds, he hid behind a large rock and built a makeshift sleeping place out of dry straw and leaves until he was found by rescuers on February 17.

After failing to contact Sun, his family reported it to a local search and rescue team, and they ventured into the snowy mountains. Fortunately, thanks to the fire Sun had lit, he succeeded in attracting the attention of rescuers.

Aotai, the 170km route Sun is taking, is considered one of the five longest and most challenging hiking routes in China. The weather in the area is unpredictable.

Over the past two decades, more than 50 hikers have been reported missing or dead on the dangerous trail. Sun is believed to be the first to be rescued after becoming lost in the dangerous area.

The rescue operation, which involved more than 30 team members, cost his family 80,000 yuan ($11,000).