Man in China lost on Mount Wutai says fox led him to safety, sparks debate on ‘spiritual’ encounter
A man who got lost while hiking at Mount Wutai in Shanxi, China, claimed that a fox “guided” him back to safety — sparking viral debate online between believers in “spiritual foxes” and scientific skeptics.
- A man lost on Mount Wutai claimed that a fox led him back to safety, sparking a viral debate.
- Netizens called the encounter “spiritual”, while experts attributed it to natural fox behaviour.
- The story has reignited discussions in China about science versus folklore in explaining unusual events.
SHANXI, CHINA — A hiker who got lost on Mount Wutai claimed that a fox mysteriously led him back to safety, igniting a viral online debate between believers in “spiritual foxes” and those favouring scientific explanations.
Lost in the mountains after nightfall
The man, surnamed Chen, began a 38-kilometre trek from Hongmen Rock at Mount Wutai on 2 October 2025. As night fell, his phone battery died and his power bank malfunctioned, leaving him stranded in the dark as temperatures dropped.
Just as he began to panic, Chen said he saw a small fox appear on the trail. The animal trotted ahead through the forest, occasionally turning around as if checking whether he was following. Chen decided to follow it — and about ten minutes later, he found himself back on a familiar marked trail.
Viral reactions and “spiritual fox” debate
Chen shared his story online, where it quickly went viral across Chinese social media platforms. Many netizens described the event as a “spiritual encounter”, saying the fox might have been a “spirit guide” or “repaying a kindness.”
Some commenters even joked that it was a “professional night-time guide.” Others, however, argued that it was merely a coincidence, urging people not to overinterpret the incident.
Experts offer a scientific explanation
Wildlife researchers have since weighed in on the viral story.
Hu Huijian, a researcher from the Guangdong Academy of Sciences, explained that foxes are nocturnal animals that often move along fixed routes in their territory. If a lost hiker happens to enter one of these routes, it may appear as though the fox is “leading” them.
“The fox likely kept looking back out of caution — or hoping for food — rather than guiding anyone,” Hu said.
Despite these explanations, many netizens remain convinced that Chen’s experience was a “spiritual sign.”
