Hiking in China 2024
Enter the Chinese kingdom of stunning hiking opportunities amid breathtaking landscapes
Best time: Li River: April-October | Great Wall of China: September-November | Longji Rice Terrace: mid-April and mid-June | Tiger Leaping Gorge: September-May
While hiking in China, tourists can have a great experience seeing arabesque beaches and rivers, majestic mountains, and cultural and historical landmarks. Just get on exploring!
Li River
Guilin’s scenery is considered to be the best in the world, that's why Guilin is one of four cities in China that foreign hikers visit the most. Still, the majority of tourists visit Guilin under the auspices of travel agencies, so they have fewer chances to be acquainted with the city. As a result, more and more people prefer the Li River hiking route: besides getting closer to the Li River throughout the trip, one can also experience the strong combination of folk customs, bicycle riding, physical exercise, and local specialties at your own pace. The best time to experience this beauty runs from April to October.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall symbolizes the Chinese Nation. This series of fortifications represents one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and makes a tremendous challenge for hikers. Try such hiking sections as Gubeikou to Jinshanling, Mutianyu to Jinshanling, or Jinshanling to Simatai. The best adventure awaits from March to May and September to November, when the weather conditions are the most favorable.
Longji Rice Terrace
Looking like giant steps cut into the bases as they wrap around the hillside, Longji Rice Terrace with its 700-year-old history is still being used for growing rice by Zhuang and Yao villagers. But that's not its only function. The unique scenery in Longji and the fresh air are ideal for hiking. One of the gorgeous climbs runs up the Nine Dragons & Five Tigers Viewing Point with its curvy, astonishing layers of terraces. The most spectacular views can be captured between mid-April and mid-June, when all the terraces are deliberately flooded.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world with its path high above the Yangtze River. It is deemed to be one of China's best hikes: the scenery is stunning, not dangerous, and it takes two days to complete. Besides, it's not crowded at all. September through May is the best time to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Practical info
When is the most favorable time to hike the Great Wall of China?
March to May and September to November are the best months to visit the Great Wall of China as the weather conditions are dry and tend to be mild. During national holidays, such as Golden Week or Chinese New Year, the Great Wall of China may become overcrowded with reduced hiking options.
What is the location of the Nine Dragons & Five Tigers Viewing Point?
The Nine Dragons & Five Tigers Viewing Point is situated within Guilin's Longji Rice Terrace region – one of four scenic areas in Guilin. The viewing point offers a spectacular view of the Longji Rice Terraces, which resemble nine dragons or five tigers. It takes around 4.5 hours to travel from Guilin city to the Longji Rice Terrace region, where the viewing point can be accessed on foot.
What makes the scenery of the Longji Rice Terrace unique?
The Longji Rice Terrace is a cultural landscape, eco-scenery, and example of a traditional culture. The rice terrace includes cascading terraces that measures an altitude of 880-1080 meters above sea level. These rice terraces, which span 66 square kilometers, demonstrate 700 years of agricultural culture still used by the Zhuang and Yao villagers to produce rice.
What is the best time of the year to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge?
The prime time to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge is from September to May when the weather is warm and dry with fewer landslides and avalanches. Visiting between June and August during the rainy season can make hiking dangerous.
What experiences can travelers enjoy while hiking on the Li River route?
Hikers on the Li River route can appreciate breathtaking views and explore local customs. They can see the river up-close and witness stunning landscapes, visit small villages, local markets, and savor delicious local specialties. They can also mix physical exercise with a rich cultural experience at their own pace. The Li River is best for hiking during mild and dry weather, which occurs from April to October.
