Walking Tours in China 2025/2026
China is home to some of the world's most diverse natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage. From the high plateaus of Tibet to the deep valleys of Yunnan, from the snow-capped mountains of Sichuan to the strange peaks of Zhangjiajie, hiking in China is an adventure in close contact with nature. There are routes for every kind of hiker, from easy trails to extreme canyons, so whether you're looking for relaxation or a challenge, you'll find your own hiking paradise.
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What are some popular hiking routes in China?
What are some popular hiking routes in China?
Pilgrimage Route to Mt.
- Features: This is a world-famous pilgrimage route along the sacred Mt. Gunungpozi and beautiful Tibetan villages for those who are interested in Tibetan culture and religion. On the way, you can see magnificent snow-capped mountains, glaciers and unique highland landscapes.
- Difficulty: Highly difficult, due to the high altitude (average altitude of more than 4000 meters), need to have certain plateau adaptation ability.
- Suitable for people: Suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and experience, especially travelers with experience in plateau trekking.
- How to get there: Fly to Lhasa, then travel to Shigatse, then take a bus to the starting point. Because of the long distance, it is recommended to acclimatize to the plateau environment in advance.
- Best time to go: May to October each year. The weather is warmer during this period, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler, but not overly cold, nighttime temperatures. July and August, in particular, are the peak seasons in Tibet for trekking and pilgrimage.
- Note: Avoid traveling in winter (November to March) because of the cold weather, complicated road conditions and road closures in some areas.
Everest Base Camp Trek
- What: Cross the border between Nepal and China and end at the base camp on the north slope of Mount Everest, the top of the world. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning snow-capped mountains, glaciers and Tibetan culture, and trekkers will pass through several Tibetan villages.
- Difficulty: Higher, involving an altitude of more than 5000 meters, greater physical exertion and the need to deal with plateau reaction.
- Suitable for people: suitable for hikers with a certain physical fitness base who are willing to challenge the limit, preferably with plateau hiking experience.
- How to get there: You can start from Lhasa or Shigatse, take a bus to reach Jombo Monastery first, and then start hiking.
- Best time: April to October. The weather is relatively warm and suitable for plateau trekking at this time, especially from May to June and September to October, when the weather is most stable and you can see a clear view of Mount Everest.
- Cautions: Try to avoid winter, the altitude is higher and the harsh conditions of cold weather and high altitude may be more challenging for the body.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Features: Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world. The hiking route traverses steep mountains and rapids, and the magnificent canyon landscape and rich natural resources attract a large number of tourists.
- Difficulty: Moderately high, some sections are steeper and more physically demanding, but the altitude is relatively moderate.
- Suitable for people: suitable for hikers with good physical strength who like challenges, suitable for all intermediate hikers.
- How to get there: From Lijiang, it takes about 2 hours by car to reach the starting point of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- Best time: March to October. The weather is warm during this period, especially in spring and fall (April to June and September to October), when the temperature is favorable and the scenery is most charming.
- Note: The rainy season in summer (July to August) is prone to flash floods and is less safe.
Meili Snow Mountain
- Features: Meili Snow Mountain is one of the famous snow mountains in China. Along the way, you can enjoy the primitive forests, snow mountains, glaciers and Tibetan villages. There are a number of Tibetan cultural attractions on the way, perfect for hikers who love nature and culture.
- Difficulty: Higher, with some areas over 4,000 meters above sea level and longer hiking routes.
- Suitable for people: suitable for hikers with strong physical fitness and endurance, especially for hikers who like snowy mountain scenery.
- How to get there: From Lijiang, take a bus to Shangri-La, and then head to the starting point of the Meili Snow Mountain hike.
- Best time: April to October. Especially from April to June and September to October, the weather is warmer and the scenery is most beautiful for hiking.
- Cautions: Winter (November to March) is colder and more likely to be closed, and some routes may not be passable.
Zhangjiajie
- Features: Zhangjiajie's strange peaks and primitive forests are breathtaking. The hiking routes here include glass trestle and alpine walkway, which are suitable for tourists who like peculiar natural landscape.
- Difficulty: Moderately low, most of the routes are suitable for ordinary tourists, and some of the glass trestles may be challenging for those who are afraid of heights.
- Suitable for people: suitable for all kinds of hikers, especially family tourists and beginners.
- Arrival: Zhangjiajie city has an airport, which allows direct flights to Zhangjiajie from major cities, and the scenic area is easily accessible.
- Best time: March to May and September to November. The spring and fall seasons have favorable temperatures and the most charming scenery, especially in autumn and winter, when the clouds and mist make the scenery picturesque.
- Cautions: Summer (June to August) is warmer with more tourists and may not be suitable for summer hiking.
Tianmen Mountain
- Features: Tianmen Mountain is famous for Tianmen Cave and Glass Trail, and the hiking route is more challenging as it passes through cliffs. Along the way, you can see the beautiful scenery of Zhangjiajie.
- Difficulty: Medium to low, mainly enjoying the scenery, and there are ropeways for hikers to go up and down.
- Suitable for people: suitable for all hikers, especially for tourists who like to challenge the cliffs and glass trestles.
- How to get there: Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area can be reached by car from Zhangjiajie downtown, and cable cars and walkways are available in the scenic area.
- Best time: April to October, especially from May to October, the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most beautiful. Autumn (September to October) is moderate and suitable for hiking.
- Caution: Winter is colder and some of the trails may be snowy, making them unsuitable for long hikes.
Changbai Mountain
- Features: Famous for its Tianchi, Changbai Mountain is a hiking route around the volcano, passing through volcanic ruins, forests and wetlands, making it a diverse nature adventure.
- Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for those who enjoy nature and photography, some of the route has some inclines.
- Suitable for: For all trekking enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy volcanic geology and highland scenery.
- How to get there: You can arrive at Changchun City in Jilin Province by airplane, and then transfer to Changbaishan Scenic Spot.
- Best time: June to September. In summer and early fall, the climate is mild and the scenery of Tianchi is most charming for hiking.
- Cautions: Winter is bitterly cold, with low temperatures, making hiking difficult and some areas closed.
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Daxinganling Forest Hiking
- Characteristics: This hiking route passes through primitive forests with rich flora and fauna on the way, making it ideal for tourists who enjoy ecological exploration and nature.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some wetlands and muddy sections in some areas, suitable for hikers who enjoy pristine forests.
- Suitable for people: For hikers who like peaceful nature and flora and fauna observation.
- How to get there: You can start hiking from Hulunbeier City and take a bus to Daxinganling area.
- Best time: June to September. The climate is mild during this period and the forests are at their best, especially in the summer when they are lush and green.
- Cautions: severe cold and thick snow in winter, and some areas are not easily accessible, making hiking difficult
