Police discovered Xiaolin had left his phone at home before disappearing. Security footage placed him last in the Dalang mountain area early on 21/6. A search involving over 100 police officers, local residents, search dogs, and drones yielded no immediate results.

Rescue teams search the Dalang mountains for the missing hiker. Photo: Hangzhou Fire Department

Rescue teams search the Dalang mountains for the missing hiker. Photo: Hangzhou Fire Department

On 26/6, Xiaolin was spotted on a security camera in a Yuhang district park. Authorities located him nearby, exhausted and with torn clothing. "He said he went into the mountains to clear his head after a breakup and got lost," explained Zhu Liliang, deputy chief of the Yuhang police station.

Xiaolin had hiked approximately 40 km through the mountains. He survived the first three days without food or water, then resorted to drinking from streams and foraging for wild fruit, according to police.

Xiaolin is now in stable condition. After counseling from police, he expressed remorse for worrying his family and promised not to repeat the incident.

The lost hiker from Hangzhou is brought to safety in late June 2025. Photo: Hangzhou Fire Department

The lost hiker from Hangzhou is brought to safety in late June 2025. Photo: Hangzhou Fire Department

The Yuhang district police issued a statement: "Heartbreak is painful, but self-harm is not the remedy and can lead to danger." They urged the public to avoid impulsive actions driven by emotions, as these can waste public resources.

Xiaolin's story quickly spread across Chinese social media, sparking mixed reactions. "That girl is lucky to have broken up with him. Someone that extreme isn't relationship material," one user commented. Another wrote, "He may be the most lovesick man in Hangzhou, but now instead of forgetting his ex, millions of people will remember him for this."

Minh Phuong (New.qq, Sina)