Hiking in China: Top Trails & Tips for Foreign Travelers

If you’re a fan of hiking, China has some truly world-class trails. From breathtaking mountains and valleys to routes rich in culture and ethnic heritage, there’s something for every adventurous traveler.

1. Recommended Hiking Trails for Foreign Visitors

A. Mountain & Canyon Trails

• Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
  One of the world’s deepest gorges, where snow-capped peaks, roaring rivers, and sheer cliffs meet. The higher trail offers stunning views, while the lower path closer to the river is more thrilling.
• Daocheng Yading (Sichuan)
  Known as “the last pure land on Earth,” here you can marvel at three sacred mountains and pristine highland lakes.
• Siguniang Mountains – Changping & Haizi Valleys (Sichuan)
  Surrounded by snow peaks, these trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for all fitness levels.

B. Plateau & Grassland Trails

• Kanas Lake Circuit (Xinjiang)
  Crystal-clear waters, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains. Autumn colors are especially spectacular.
• Ali Northern Route (Tibet)
  Cross the high-altitude wilderness and witness sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

C. Historical & Cultural Hikes

• Great Wall Treks (Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, etc.)
  Sections like Jinshanling, Simatai, and Jiankou combine epic scenery with relatively untouched, rugged paths.
• Ancient Tea Horse Road (Yunnan & Sichuan)
  Walk along historic post stations, ethnic villages, and old trade routes.

D. Unique Short Hikes

• Huangshan West Sea Grand Canyon (Anhui)
  Famous for sea of clouds, oddly-shaped pines, and spectacular rock formations.
• Wuyuan Canola Flower Trails (Jiangxi)
  Springtime brings a sea of yellow flowers intertwined with traditional Hui villages.

2. Essential Tips for Foreign Hikers

1. Physical Preparation

• Long-distance or high-altitude trails (like Daocheng Yading or Tibet) require endurance and cardiovascular training.
• People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or asthma should avoid high-altitude hikes.

2. Must-Have Gear

• Waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Layered clothing for large day-night temperature changes in mountains and plateaus.
• Lightweight waterproof jackets and windproof warm layers are essential.

3. Safety & Navigation

• Remote trails are best done with companions or a local guide.
• Download offline maps in advance (Gaode/AMAP or Baidu Maps are recommended); signal may be spotty.
• Mountain weather changes quickly—plan extra time for your return and avoid night hiking.

4. Food & Water

• Bring enough drinking water and high-energy snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate).
• At high altitudes, avoid overeating and drink warm beverages in moderation.

5. Culture & Environment

• Respect local ethnic customs; ask before taking photos or entering homes.
• Take your trash with you and avoid damaging plants or historic sites.

6. Seasons & Best Times to Hike

• Southwest highlands: May–October (avoid rainy season and heavy winter snow).
• Northeast & northwest grasslands: June–September is ideal.
• Southern mountains: Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures.