Summary of the Core Content
This article focuses on the incident at Mount Tai where blades were used to create a fence around the mountain. It highlights both the simplistic and brutal approach taken by the scenic area (which damages the landscape, may harm animals, and affects rescue efforts) and the underlying necessity for such measures (due to tourists entering restricted areas illegally, posing fire safety risks). The article also draws parallels with two other incidents involving improper tourist behavior: the felling of a tree known as the “Lonely Tree” and the death of a foal caused by a drone. The central message is that the self-centered and rule-breaking behavior of some tourists drives up the costs of tourism management (such as the 25 million yuan spent on the fence) and harms public or other people’s interests. Civilized tourism requires scenic areas to abandon brutal methods, and tourists to abide by the rules, working together to establish a sense of mutual respect.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Fence Around Mount Tai: A “Necessary Measure” with Clear Shortcomings
Why did Mount Tai install a 135-kilometer fence made of blades? The main concerns were two: first, preventing tourists from bringing fire sources into restricted areas and potentially starting forest fires (Mount Tai is part of a large state-owned forest area with significant fire prevention needs); second, the risk of tourists getting lost and requiring extensive rescue efforts. Previously, the scenic area had difficulty controlling these visitors, persuading them to change their behavior, or imposing penalties, which led to the decision to use the fence as the most effective means of management.
However, this approach has drawn criticism for its brutality. The blades on the fence resemble prison bars, ruining the aesthetic harmony of Mount Tai as a cultural landmark, and the wire could entangle wildlife (such as squirrels and rabbits), potentially harming them. In addition, if a fire broke out, it could impede rescue efforts. The scenic area focused solely on controlling human behavior without considering these negative consequences, which was indeed a lack of foresight.
2. The Two Related Incidents: Tourists’ Selfish Actions with Others Paying the Price
The article cites two examples of tourists acting solely for their own pleasure at the expense of others:
- The “Lonely Tree” becoming a “bald tree”: After a privet tree by a wheat field in Xi’an became popular online, tourists trampled on the wheat to take photos. Unable to stop them or with barriers being ineffective, the farmer cut off the tree’s crown in frustration. The tourists’ desire for a good photo ruined the tree and damaged the farmer’s crops.
- The death of the foal: A 7-day-old foal belonging to a herder in Xinjiang was killed after being chased by drones. Tourists found it fun to use drones to photograph the horse but did not consider the animal’s stress, causing the herder significant loss.
These incidents are similar to the fence at Mount Tai in that they demonstrate how tourists’ actions that break the rules harm others and ultimately increase the costs of tourism:
3. The Hidden Cost of Rule-Breakers
You might not realize that the reckless behavior of a few tourists can impact everyone. For instance, the 25 million yuan spent on the fence at Mount Tai could have been used to improve trails, add more trash bins, or enhance services. Instead, it was wasted on the fence, which will be reflected in higher ticket prices and reduced service quality for all visitors. Similarly, the farmer’s decision to cut down the tree could have attracted more tourists and boosted local economic activity; the herder’s loss of the foal represents a hidden cost borne by all tourists.
4. Civilized Tourism: More Than Just a Slogan
Civilized tourism is about establishing a sense of boundaries and self-discipline. You should not act recklessly when traveling—do not enter restricted areas, do not damage crops, and avoid disturbing animals with drones. These are basic principles that ensure your enjoyment does not come at the expense of others’ well-being or public safety.
For scenic areas, more sophisticated management solutions are needed, such as installing smart surveillance systems or increasing patrols, along with clearer signs in restricted areas. For tourists, it’s important to remember that the beauty of travel depends on respecting rules and others. Only when both parties fulfill their responsibilities can the tourism experience be truly enjoyable.
5. The Dilemma of Regulation
These incidents highlight a common issue: when rules are violated by a few, managers or affected parties often resort to extreme measures. The fence at Mount Tai is an example of such a response, as is the farmer’s action. This suggests a lack of more effective ways to address rule-breaking behavior. Could stricter penalties be imposed on violators? Should tourists who damage property compensate for their actions? Only by making rule-breakers pay the price can we break this vicious cycle.
Conclusion
The issue with the fence at Mount Tai is not simply about the fault of either the scenic area or the tourists. Both parties need to reflect and improve. A pleasant travel experience requires cooperation and mutual respect. After all, a great travel experience is something everyone contributes to, not just one side’s effort.