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Accidents and personal safety
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Tourists must put safety first in quest for the perfect photo

The tragic death of a visitor in Sai Kung and other fatal accidents should prompt caution among travellers

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Visitors at the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform during the holidays on December 27, 2025. Photo: Edmond So
SCMP Editorial
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Travelling is as much about impressing others as about experiencing for many social media users nowadays. The temptation to go the extra mile to show off something extraordinary can be overpowering, so much so that it may eclipse common sense and result in injuries or even fatal mishaps. The tragic death of a mainland visitor in Sai Kung on New Year’s Eve – reportedly after slipping from a cliff while taking pictures – is yet another grim reminder of the risk that too many are willing to take for a few moments of online fame.

It is most unfortunate that a holiday has ended with the loss of a life. The 21-year-old from Guangzhou and three friends were lured by the beauty of the Unesco-listed geopark, a site popularised by mainland social media. He was said to have lost his balance and fallen off a 70-metre-high cliff into the sea while taking pictures.

Like many coastal and countryside hotspots, the rugged landscape of Po Pin Chau has lured many hikers from near and far. But the enjoyment of the awe-inspiring scenery demands caution and respect. It is not uncommon for those unaccustomed to the local environment and safety hazards to be carried away and become oblivious to life-threatening risks when their focus is fixed not on the surroundings but on their camera lens.

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