Niantic review analyse: pebble walking trail
Pebble walking trails
TLDR: Cultural difference may affect Niantic’s judgement. I just found that a category of park facility was commonly rejected by Niantic reviews. I feel ok about that because it is reasonable that they don’t know much about these Southeast Asian exclusive cultures. But I think it is still being interesting to introduce these exercise facilities to everyone. Just some knowledge sharing.
What are those: they are short walking trail, usually in parks or sitting-out areas. These trail has pebble on it and handrail nearby. In Hong Kong, if that pebble walking trail is managed by government, a instruction sign is also placed.
Why are these exist: Massaging to the feet soles was believed as a method to improve health in the ethnic Chinese culture. These pebble walking trails aimed to provide feet soles massage and encourage walking as exercising at the same time when people take off their shoes and walk on it. These usually older-adults oriented.
A document from the Hong Kong council mentioned the purpose of establishing these trail (main point was captured below): https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200705/23/P200705230255.htm
Where are these: Mainly in Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. Usually be established in park or other public places.
Hope you feel interesting about these “the more you know”.
Comments
They're also found in Korea. I assume local reviewers accept them and you just got unlucky to have Niantic reviewers for these two?
That is very interesting - thanks for sharing!
The pebbles are one layer, set in cement? Or multi layer, with some shifting under foot, as a person walks over them?
They have single and stable layer of pebbles stick on cement.
As pretty as the pebble-mosaics may be, do try to have your photos focusing on the signboards instead whenever possible, and in good decent daytime lighting. That will vastly improve your chances of getting them accepted.
You can certainly have extra photos added showcasing the path itself too, once something gets accepted.
Unfortunately for such pathways that lack signage, you're going to have a difficult time.