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Oscar Liu

An online video showing a man removing a distance marker from Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail has sparked anger among internet users, who have warned that the act could have put hikers in need of emergency rescue at even greater risk.
The 21-second clip was circulating widely on Chinese social media platform RedNote and shows the man pulling up marker No 148 on a section of the trail at Tai Mo Shan.
Speaking in Mandarin, the man can be heard making light of the situation and saying something that roughly translates to “easily handled the MacLehose Trail” as he hoists the pole onto his shoulder and jogs a short distance.
The man in the video also says: “Goodbye to this 148, don’t even think about taking photos here; I’m taking it away.”
Later in the clip, he returns the marker to its original position and says: “That was too tiring”.
The social account features content about camping in locations across mainland China.
The user recently posted content referencing the MacLehose Trail, sharing videos about his equipment and seeking potential hiking partners to join him in completing the entire route between April 21 and 25.
But the recent clip has raised safety concerns, as the distance posts are crucial markers that help hikers get their bearings and ensure rescuers can locate them during emergencies.

Many Hong Kong internet users slammed the man’s behaviour as disrespectful, ignorant and even potentially harmful to other hikers.
“These posts do more than just indicate distance; they are also crucial for emergency situations,” one user wrote.
“The information on these posts allows rescue teams to quickly pinpoint a hiker’s location, making it vital that they are not moved, as this would compromise their accuracy.”
Another user commented: “Tourists should explore local culture, people’s livelihoods, history or infrastructure with an appreciative eye, not to cause destruction.”
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it had immediately dispatched personnel to the location to understand the situation upon learning of the incident.
“We discovered that the base of distance post number M148 was loose. We have cordoned off the post and will arrange for repairs and reinforcement as soon as possible,” a department spokesman said.
“Regarding the online video, the department will follow up and conduct an investigation”
Intentionally or carelessly damaging any installations, including distance posts and fences managed by the department’s director within country parks or special areas, is a criminal offence punishable by a HK$2,000 (US$257) fine and up to three months in jail.
Ongoing damage can lead to an additional HK$100 fine per day.
In recent years, Hong Kong’s scenic hiking trails have become increasingly popular among visitors from the mainland, with guides and personal accounts of hikes being frequently shared on RedNote.
The MacLehose Trail stretches nearly 100km (62 miles) across the New Territories and is considered to offer some of the most stunning views of beaches and hills in the city.


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Hongkongers left outraged after clip shows hiker removing MacLehose Trail marker

A screengrab of the video shows the man carrying off the trail marker. Photo: Handout

Many Hong Kong internet users have slammed the man’s behaviour as disrespectful, ignorant and even potentially harmful to other hikers. Photo: Handout

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Video posted on RedNote shows man pulling up marker No 148 from trail section at Tai Mo Shan, prompting backlash over safety risks


Video posted on RedNote shows man pulling up marker No 148 from trail section at Tai Mo Shan, prompting backlash over safety risks.


Hong Kong tourism

Accidents and personal safety in Hong Kong

Hong Kong hiking