Stranded hiker survives for 13 days on diet of insects, grass

A man who was stranded in the mountains of Shandong province survived for 13 days by eating earthworms and ants, media reported Thursday.

The 43-year-old man surnamed Hong was attempting to climb the famed Taishan Mountain near Tai'an with his shepherd guide on June 27 when he fell from a high cliff and was knocked unconscious.

When he came to, Hong realized his wallet and cell phone were missing.

"I couldn't feel my right leg and my lower back was in extreme pain," recalled Hong, a native of Dalian, Liaoning Province. "The night was very cold and I could barely sleep."

A park employee spotted him on Wednesday and he was sent to a nearby hospital. He is now recovering with family.

During his time in the wilderness, Hong explained he survived by eating insects.

"I ate almost anything I could find, such as ants, cockroaches, earthworms, mosquitoes and wild grass," said Hong.

After a week of waiting for rescuers, Hong managed to climb from the ravine and to reach a reservoir near a village on Tuesday evening.

However, his cries for help went unanswered until the next day.

At 1,532.7 meters, Taishan Mountain is included as one of the Five Great Mountains of China for its historical and ceremonial significance. It is also renowned for its sunrise views.