China Hiking Destinations
- Beijing
- Chengdu
- Chongqing
- Datong
- Dunhuang
- Guangzhou
- Guilin
- Guiyang
- Haikou
- Hangzhou
- Hong Kong
- Hohhot
- Huangshan
- Harbin
- Jiuzhaigou
- Kashgar
- Kunming
- Tibet
- Lijiang
- Luoyang
- Pingyao
- Qingdao
- Shanghai
- Shangri-La
- Turpan
- Urumqi
- Xian
- Zhangjiajie
Popular Hiking Itineraries
Destinations By Theme
First Stops: Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin
Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Tianjin are the four municipalities under the central government. Hiking in these cities can be very different from the others. In Beijing, the most exciting choice is to hike on the Great Wall; the water towns around Shanghai can be a nice place; in Chongqing, the Ghost City could be very fantastic; while in Tianjin the most recommended site should be the Mount Panshan Scenic Area.
Natural Paradise: Guilin, Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, Yangtze River
As the four most popular natural scenic areas, Guilin, Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou and Yangtze River welcome hiking fans with their charming scenery. In Guilin, you may go on the Cat Mountain in Xing'an County; in Huangshan, you can fulfill your exploration while getting the panoramic view of the mountain; the mysterious Jiuzhaigou will however satisfy all your curiosity; there are also many attractions during your trip along the Yangtze River.
Historical Heritage: Xian, Yan'an, Pingyao, Datong, Luoyang
You may choose to hike on the loess plateau of China. In Shaanxi Province, you may walk along the ancient city wall in Xian, or you go climbing the adventurous Mount Huashan near Xian; in Yan'an, you may hike in the Hukou Waterfall scenic zone. In Shanxi Province, you may hike on the Mount Hengshan in Datong. In Henan Province, you may hike to the Shaolin Temple from Luoyang to view the Chinese Kungfu.
Golden South Coast: Guangzhou, Xiamen, Haikou, Hong Kong, Macau
In Southern part, hiking in the coastal cities like Haikou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Macau will be wonderful. Along the seaside, you can admire the broad seascape while enjoying the beautiful sunshine. The recommended places are the Wuzhi Mountain near Haikou, the Gulangyu Island in Xiamen and the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. In Guangzhou, there are more places to choose from, such as the Lianhua Mountain, Baiyun Mountain, the Nankunshan Forest Park and the Liuxihe Forest Park.
Elegant 'Jiangnan': Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Nanchang, Jingdezhen
'Jiangnan' means the area with prosperous economy and enchanting scenery south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. As 'a paradise on earth', Hangzhou is really an attractive city for exploration; you may travel through the Xitang Ancient Town or explore the Western Grand Cayon. As the provincial capital of Jiangsu and Hubei provinces, Nanjing and Wuhan are famed old cities for you to hike around to view their city image. In Jiangxi Province, go to Nanchang and Jingdezhen to enjoy beautiful landscapes and learn the Ceramic culture, which will be a different feeling.
Southwest Ethnic Flavor: Chengdu, Guiyang, Kaili, Tibet, Zhangjiajie
Southwestern part of China will be amazing. Chengdu is a nice place for mountain hiking. You may choose to climb Qingcheng Mountain, Mount Leshan and the well-known Mount Emei. In Guizhou Province, the Huangguoshu Waterfall area in Guiyang and the Miao villages in Kaili are good places; in Hunan Province, the Zhangjiajie Forest Reserve is adored by hikers; on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, trekking to the Mt. Everest from Lhasa could be very challenging.
Colorful Yunnan: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Yunnan Province has rich resources for hikers. You can go to Mount Cangshan or the Jiuzushan Mountain in Dali; in Kunming, tour to the local ethnic towns and villages will be a nice choice; in Lijiang, hiking along the Lugu Lake will be very romantic while in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain could be very challenging; in Shangri-la, the most exciting trip is to the Shangri-la Canyon.
Northwest Relics & Desert: Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Kashgar, Turpan, Urumqi
Have you ever tried to hike in the northwestern area of China? In Gansu Province, you may go to Yangguan Pass or Yumenguan Pass in Dunhuang, or you may choose to hike along the Crescent Lake. If you are traveling in Yinchuan City of Ningxia, you are suggested to go to the Suyukou National Forest Park. In Xinjiang region, the most popular place should be the Tianshan Mountain in Urumqi. In Kashgar, Karakuli Lake could be fantastic. In Turpan, you are suggested to go to the Kumutage Desert.
Northeast Snow World & North Grassland: Changchun, Dalian, Harbin, Hohhot
In the Northeast area, an ideal destination for mountain trekking is the Changbaishan Mountain in Changchun. In the coastal city Dalian, the Bingyu Valley and the Tianmen Mountain are good places; Harbin is a charming city for you to hike in the world of snow and ice. The Sun Island and the Yabuli Skiing Ground are highly recommended; In Hohhot of Inner Mongolia, you will have a chance to the vast grassland; the Xilamuren Grassland might be a good choice.
Eastern Area: Jinan, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao
In Shandong Province, going mountain hiking in the provincial capital Jinan and the beautiful coastal city Qingdao could be very different. The Thousand Buddha Mountain in Jinan is good for you to learn the Buddhist culture while the Mount Laoshan in Qingdao is a holy place for Taoism. In Hebei Province, there are abundant routes in Qinhuangdao for you to explore.