Complete Guide to Wild Camping in Lishui

As summer temperatures soar, trapped urban dwellers all long to escape to cool, picturesque mountainous areas for outdoor activities and a relaxing break. This guide caters to outdoor enthusiasts who love nature, seeking untrodden wild mountains and streams to enjoy authentic wilderness fun—without the comfort of hotels and restaurants. For such adventurers, essential gear and professional know-how are indispensable. Below are core wilderness camping tips for your reference.

Safety is the top priority when picking a campsite. A wide range of accidents can occur in the wild, though risks are much lower at low altitudes. Even so, basic campsite selection rules must be strictly followed.

Before pitching your tent, thoroughly inspect the terrain. Avoid spots beneath loose boulders, fallen logs or weathered rock formations. If you spot signs of rock debris nearby, never set up camp there, especially close to cliff faces. Steer clear of hollow depressions entirely. If rockfall occurs, shout loudly to alert your companions at once.

Do not camp in areas prone to mudslides. Stones coated in mud are a key indicator of past mudslides. Keep a safe distance from mudslide channels.

Avoid summits and open flat ground during thunderstorms to prevent lightning strikes. Never camp on river beaches, riverbeds, stream banks or valley floors, as sudden flash floods can sweep everything away. Many campers choose ridges or riverbanks for scenic views. The ideal campsites are river terraces or wide river flats. Sandy ground is flat and dry, while stream valleys offer clean water and driftwood for firewood—perfect for camping in fair weather.

However, torrential rain can trigger rapid river level rises in valleys, submerging riverbanks and washing away hiking shoes, food and even campers. Before camping in rainy seasons, check weather and hydrological conditions at your campsite and upstream river areas. Pitch tents on elevated ground several meters above the waterline, away from natural rainwater run-off channels. Choose well-drained land with accessible escape routes in case of emergencies. After settling in, regularly monitor water flow volume, turbidity and the sound of running water. Evacuate immediately at the first sign of abnormal conditions. Disasters often strike late at night or when campers are exhausted, so never let your guard down.

Pick a campsite close to a water source to secure water for cooking, drinking and washing. Camping far from water creates great inconvenience and potential danger. Note that wild animals tend to linger near water in deep forests, so stay extra vigilant.

Wind rapidly saps body heat, causing chills and even illness. Strong gusts can blow tents away, disrupt rest, make it hard to light campfires and hinder cooking or heating. Always choose a wind-shielded spot: leeward sides of small hills, forest clearings, caves, ridge flanks or under rock overhangs are ideal.

Scan the surrounding area carefully for animal tracks, droppings and dens before setting up camp. Avoid snake and rodent-infested zones to prevent injuries or damaged equipment. Prepare repellents and protective supplies for mosquitoes, bugs and scorpions. Spreading plant ash around the campsite effectively repels snakes, scorpions and venomous insects.

Select a campsite with long daily sunlight hours to keep the area warm, dry and clean, making it easy to dry clothes, supplies and gear.

The campsite floor must be level, free of tree roots, sharp stones, bumps and slopes. Uneven terrain can damage equipment, cut campers and ruin sleep quality.

Protect the natural wilderness: Do not harm wild animals, cut vegetation arbitrarily, damage native flora or pollute water sources. Fully extinguish all campfires before breaking camp. Carry out all trash to designated waste disposal points. If transport is impossible under special circumstances, dig holes to bury garbage completely.