🥾Hiking has a way of slowing you down and sharpening what you see. The rhythm of walking brings landscapes into focus, from quiet forests to dramatic mountain passes and open desert horizons.

We have curated five hiking routes across China, each offering a different pace, setting and level of challenge. Save this list and set out on your next adventure.

01. Ancient Shu Road Trek – Guangyuan, Sichuan

📍 Suggested duration: 2 days

🗓️ Best seasons: April to June, September to October

If you are looking for an easy introduction to hiking, the Ancient Shu Road in Guangyuan is a great place to start. Once a vital passage through the mountains, this historic trail is gentle and accessible, making it ideal for beginners. It feels less like a hike and more like a walk through history.

The path is lined with ancient cypress trees, part of one of China’s earliest large-scale planting projects. The air carries a subtle scent of resin and earth, while fallen leaves cushion each step. It is a quiet, grounding experience.

This scenic route connects Jianmen Pass and Mingyue Gorge, with Cuiyun Corridor at its heart. The 4.7-kilometre core stretch is shaded by ancient trees that have stood for centuries. At Mingyue Gorge, a narrow plank path hugs the sheer cliffs high above the Jialing River, while Jianmen Pass is famed for its imposing, fortress-like landscape.

Along the way, the Thousand Buddha Cliff features ancient stone carvings shaped by time. Walking here feels like stepping into another era.

02. Wild Great Wall Trek – Beijing

📍 Suggested duration: 1 day or 2 days with camping

🗓️ Best seasons: March to May, September to October

If you are ready to take things up a notch, hiking the less-restored sections of the Great Wall is a rewarding next step. The stretch from Gubeikou to Jinshanling retains much of its original character, with minimal restoration. 

The route is around 13 km long, with a moderate incline and a maximum elevation of under 500 metres. Along the way, you will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hills while gaining a sense of the scale of Ming Dynasty engineering.

Some bricks still bear markings that show when they were made, as well as the names of the craftsmen and supervisors. It offers a rare glimpse into the level of care and accountability behind the construction.

For a more immersive experience, you can camp along the Wall. With no city lights to distract you, the night sky feels wonderfully vast and clear. Sitting beside a watchtower, listening to stories about the Wall, makes for a memorable evening.

There are no cable cars or crowds here, just history and nature at their most authentic.

03. Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek – Shangri-la, Yunnan

📍 Suggested duration: 2 days

🗓️ Best seasons: April to June, September to October

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of China’s most iconic hiking routes and a popular choice for those looking to step into more challenging terrain. Located between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the gorge cuts through the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, forming one of the deepest canyons in the world.

The high trail is often listed among the world’s classic hikes and remains accessible to hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. It follows an ancient Tea Horse route along the mountainside, high above the river.

The first day includes the well-known series of 28 switchbacks. Along the way, many hikers stop at the famous Halfway Guesthouse for a coffee break, taking in views of the snow-capped peaks and the river below. On the second day, the trail leads down towards Middle Gorge, where you can experience the full force of the river up close.

The scenery is constantly changing. On one side, the river surges through the canyon. On the other, steep mountains rise dramatically. You may also pass through remote areas such as Laoyao Mountain, where forests and alpine meadows stretch beneath the peaks.

04. Yubeng Village Trek – Deqin, Yunnan

📍 Suggested duration: 6 days

🗓️ Best seasons: April to May, September to October

As you move into higher altitudes, both the challenge and the rewards increase. Yubeng, tucked away within the Meili Snow Mountain range, is often described as a hidden paradise.

The name “Yubeng” comes from the local climate. Meltwater from the surrounding peaks drips down throughout the year, giving the impression of rain falling from the sky.

Starting from Shangri-La, the journey begins through dense forest. As you climb higher, prayer flags appear along the trail. After crossing Nanzheng Pass at 3,700 metres, the landscape opens up dramatically.

From forests at around 3,000 metres to snow-covered peaks rising above 6,000 metres, the scenery unfolds in distinct layers, all visible within a single view.

Yubeng offers a range of hiking routes for different levels. The Sacred Waterfall trail is suitable for beginners, covering around 14 km return.

More experienced hikers can take on the Ice Lake route, which reaches higher altitudes and offers close-up views of glaciers. Along the way, you may also experience local Tibetan culture, from visiting homes to learning traditional practices. It is as much about the journey as the destination.

05. Badain Jaran Desert Trek – Alxa League, Inner Mongolia

📍 Suggested duration: 7 days

🗓️ Best seasons: March to May, December to January

For a completely different experience, the Badain Jaran Desert offers a true wilderness adventure. Known for its vast dunes and hidden lakes, it presents a striking and ever-changing landscape.

In spring, temperatures begin to rise and the desert becomes more accessible. Towering dunes, some reaching 400 metres, stretch across the horizon. Frozen lakes start to thaw, reflecting the sky in soft light.

The journey is supported by experienced local teams, often with camels and support vehicles. You can switch between walking and riding, making the trek more manageable.

Accommodation includes simple stays with local herders, where you can enjoy traditional meals such as dumplings and lamb, offering a glimpse into life in the desert.

The itinerary also include visits to nearby Danxia formations, where colourful rock layers stand out against the surrounding sands. Facilities are basic, and temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, so preparation is key.

💡 Hiking Tips

▪️ Choose a route that matches your fitness level. Beginners may want to start with the Ancient Shu Road or the Sacred Waterfall trail in Yubeng.

▪️ Bring essential gear, including proper hiking boots, trekking poles and sun protection. For high-altitude or desert hikes, be prepared for changing conditions.

▪️ Avoid hiking alone. Travelling with an experienced guide is recommended.

▪️ Stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up throughout the journey.

▪️ Respect local customs and protect the environment. Follow leave-no-trace principles and help preserve these landscapes for others.

Every step reveals something new. Whether you are drawn to dramatic landscapes or quieter moments in nature, there is a route here for you. For detailed hiking itineraries or tailored trekking tours, please contact us!