The Best Hiking Trails in China
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar." The park features the world's longest and highest glass bridge, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hikes here include the Tianzi Mountain Trail and the Golden Whip Stream Trail, which offer picturesque views of the park’s unique rock formations and lush greenery.
2. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, in Anhui Province is renowned for its granite peaks, hot springs, and ancient pine trees. The mountain is famous for its "four wonders": peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs. The Xihai Grand Canyon and the West Sea Grand Canyon are popular trails that offer dramatic views and challenging climbs. The trails are well-marked, and hikers can stay in mountaintop hotels to enjoy the sunrise over the peaks.
3. Mount Everest Base Camp (Tibet)
For those seeking an adventure of a lifetime, the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side is a must. The 14-day trek provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the majestic Himalayan range up close. Highlights include viewing Everest's north face, exploring traditional Tibetan villages, and visiting ancient monasteries. The trek is challenging and requires proper acclimatization due to the high altitude.
4. Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in Sichuan Province, is known for its multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The park features a network of well-maintained trails that showcase the region's vibrant natural beauty. The Shuzheng Valley Trail and the Nuorilang Waterfall Trail offer spectacular views and are accessible to hikers of various skill levels.
5. Tiger Leaping Gorge
In Yunnan Province, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world and offers a rugged and remote hiking experience. The Hike from Qiaotou to Tina’s Guesthouse is a popular trail that spans approximately 28 kilometers and provides stunning views of the Jinsha River and the surrounding peaks. The hike is challenging, with steep ascents and descents, but the dramatic scenery makes it worthwhile.
6. Mount Rishiri
Mount Rishiri, located on Rishiri Island in Hokkaido, Japan, is a volcanic peak that offers a unique hiking experience. The Rishiri Summit Trail is a circular trail that takes hikers to the summit and back, offering spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and islands. The hike is relatively short but steep, making it a rewarding challenge for seasoned hikers.
7. Mount Hua
Mount Hua in Shaanxi Province is one of China’s Five Great Mountains and is famous for its steep, narrow paths and cliffside trails. The Plank Walk in the Sky is a thrilling and precarious trail that runs along a sheer cliff, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience. The mountain’s trails lead to several ancient temples and shrines, adding a cultural element to the hike.
8. Mount Emei
Mount Emei, another of China's Five Great Mountains, is located in Sichuan Province and is renowned for its Buddhist temples and scenic beauty. The Emei Mountain Trail is a multi-day hike that passes through dense forests, ancient temples, and offers panoramic views from the summit. The trail is well-developed, and hikers can stay in mountain lodges along the way.
9. Yubeng Village
Yubeng Village, located in Yunnan Province, is a remote village accessible only by foot. The trek to Yubeng offers a chance to explore the traditional Tibetan culture and pristine nature of the region. The hike to Yubeng Village is a multi-day journey through lush forests and alpine meadows, with the opportunity to visit sacred sites and hot springs.
10. Mount Wutai
Mount Wutai, located in Shanxi Province, is another of China’s Five Great Mountains and is known for its Buddhist heritage and natural beauty. The mountain features a network of trails that lead to ancient temples and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Wutai Mountain Trail is a spiritual journey as much as a hike, with opportunities to learn about Buddhism and enjoy serene mountain vistas.
Table of Key Trails
| Trail Name | Location | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tianzi Mountain Trail | Zhangjiajie, Hunan | 5 km | Moderate | Pillars, panoramic views |
| Xihai Grand Canyon | Huangshan, Anhui | 8 km | Challenging | Granite peaks, sea of clouds |
| Everest Base Camp Trek | Tibet | 130 km | Very High | Everest views, Tibetan culture |
| Shuzheng Valley Trail | Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan | 7 km | Easy | Colorful lakes, waterfalls |
| Qiaotou to Tina’s Guesthouse | Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan | 28 km | High | Deep gorge, river views |
| Rishiri Summit Trail | Rishiri Island, Hokkaido | 10 km | Moderate | Ocean views, volcanic landscape |
| Plank Walk in the Sky | Mount Hua, Shaanxi | 2 km | Extreme | Cliffside walk, ancient temples |
| Emei Mountain Trail | Mount Emei, Sichuan | 50 km | Moderate | Buddhist temples, panoramic views |
| Yubeng Village Trek | Yunnan | 40 km | High | Remote village, hot springs |
| Wutai Mountain Trail | Mount Wutai, Shanxi | 35 km | Moderate | Buddhist heritage, scenic beauty |
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