A woman sparked online outrage after she was filmed stepping over a safety guardrail and climbing onto a unique rock formation to pose for a picture despite it being strictly forbidden.
The unnamed woman was heavily criticised for risking damage to natural geological relics for the sake of a photo while visiting the Wave Valley in north-west China’s Shaanxi Province.
In a video – shared on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok – the woman, wearing a dotted dress and a purple scarf – is seen standing on the other side of a guardrail meant to protect the rock formation.
She was filmed as she stepped onto the Danxia landform, a unique landscape formed from steep and layered red-coloured sandstones, while her friend took pictures.
She stood in the depression of the rock, holding the mountain wall with both hands as she adjusted her posture while the friend guided her movements.
The woman outraged other tourists who accused her of blatantly risking ruining the landform that can only be found in some parts of China.
Netizens condemned her behaviour, saying she should get blacklisted from every tourist attraction in the country.
One user titled ‘Free and safe’ said in a comment: “This kind of person should be restricted from travelling in public places…”
Another user titled ‘User 9341479275882’ wrote: “Saying she’s disgusting does injustice to the word disgusting.”
And user ‘come back after ad’ said: “She must be severely punished.”
Following the slew of negative comments on social media, staff from the scenic spot responded saying the incident is being investigated.
If the woman is found, she will be fined for causing potential damage to the site, staff said.
In addition, they reminded all visitors that trampling over the landform is strictly prohibited.
