Think China is only about megacities, temples, and street food? Think again. From the wild sections of the Great Wall to the vertiginous planks of Mount Huashan and the deep gorges of Yunnan, hiking in China offers some of the most unique trails in the world.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy hikes near Shanghai or an experienced trekker ready to take on one of China’s most thrilling routes, Trip.com has created a complete guide to the best hiking destinations in China, with practical tips, budgets, and the best times to go.
💡 Did you know? You can almost hike the entire Great Wall of China. While the full 21,000 km would take years, sections like Jiankou to Mutianyu offer unforgettable two-day hikes along the Wall.
Can You Really Go Hiking in China? 🥾
Even today, many travellers don't think of China as a hiking destination – and it’s a real shame! The country boasts a breathtaking variety of landscapes, with trails that wind through legendary mountains, bamboo forests, and wild sections of the Great Wall.
Still not convinced? Here’s why hiking in China is truly worth the trip:
- 🏔 Legendary UNESCO-listed mountains: the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) with their mist-shrouded granite peaks, Mount Huashan and its walkways suspended over the abyss, the karst landscapes of Zhangjiajie... China is home to some of Asia's best mountain hiking destinations, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites!
- 🐉 Hiking the Great Wall is a truly unique experience: yes, you really can hike along the Great Wall of China! Wild sections like Jiankou offer spectacular treks far from the tourist crowds, with steep climbs, crumbling watchtowers, and breathtaking panoramas. Some even embark on a five-day hike across the Great Wall to explore several different sections!
- 🌊 Spectacular gorges: Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan is one of the deepest in the world (with a 300-metre drop and mountains reaching 5,600 metres on either side!) and offers an absolutely stunning two-day trek.
- 🎯 Hikes for all levels: whether you're looking for accessible trails near major cities like Shanghai, such as Moganshan, or extreme challenges like Mount Huashan (widely considered the scariest hike in China!), there really is something for everyone.
- 🍃 Landscapes that change with the seasons: spring blossoms, lush summer forests, fiery autumn foliage and snow-capped winter peaks... China's hiking trails offer a different spectacle all year round!
- 💰 Prices are still reasonable: compared to other trekking destinations in Asia or even across the globe, China remains relatively affordable!
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When Is the Best Time to Hike in China? 📅
When it comes to hiking, the weather is naturally one of the most important factors to consider! As China is such a vast country, the seasons vary significantly from region to region, though some periods are clearly more favourable for mountain hiking. To help you plan your adventure, here’s a quick summary of everything you need to know:
Season | Terms & Conditions | Recommended regions | Good to know |
🌸 Spring (April - June) | Mild weather (15-25°C) and nature in full bloom | Yellow Mountains, Great Wall, Moganshan | The perfect time to visit! Flowers in full bloom, lush green landscapes, and perfect weather. |
☀️ Summer (July - August) | Warm 25-35°C, with a chance of rain | The high-altitude Tibetan Plateau | Perfect for higher altitudes where it's a bit cooler. Best to avoid the plains! |
🍂 Autumn (Sept - Nov) | Crisp, dry weather (10-20°C) and vibrant autumn foliage | Yellow Mountains, Zhangjiajie, Tiger Leaping Gorge | The best season, according to many! Spectacular autumn colours. |
❄️ Winter (Dec - Mar) | Cold 0-10°C, with a chance of snow | Yunnan (mild), Yellow Mountains (winter beauty) | Stunning snowy landscapes but slippery paths |
💡 Trip.com tip: For your first hiking adventure in China, aim for April-May or September-October to enjoy the perfect combination of great weather and spectacular scenery, while avoiding the peak holiday crowds!
Top 6 Hiking Spots in China 🏔
Get ready to explore the must-visit hiking spots in China! Here is our selection of the best hiking destinations in China, from the most accessible to the most extreme.
1. The Great Wall from Jiankou to Mutianyu - Beijing 🏯
Hiking the Great Wall of China from Jiankou to Mutianyu is truly THE legendary trek that every hiking enthusiast dreams of! This wild section, located 70 km north of Beijing, offers the most authentic and spectacular experience of the Wall, far from the tourist crowds.
The trail is about 11 km long and winds through completely ruined sections of the wall perched on dizzying ridges, offering absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The climbs are steep (with a 525-metre elevation gain) and some towers have collapsed, meaning you'll occasionally need to scramble over crumbling sections—but the raw beauty of the landscape is truly worth the effort.
The hike starts in the village of Xizhazi, climbing for an hour through the forest before reaching the Great Wall. You’ll then follow the ridges for several hours, passing through ruined watchtowers until you reach the restored Mutianyu section, where you can head back down by chairlift or toboggan (super fun!).
Highlights:
- Spectacular views of the wall winding across the mountains;
- A wild and authentic stretch, far from the crowds;
- A perfect blend of adventure and history;
- A toboggan ride at Mutianyu to finish on a high note!
Duration: 4-6 hours of walking
Distance: 11 km
Elevation: +525m / -650m
Budget: Mutianyu entry 45 RMB (£5), optional local guide 300-500 RMB (£35-£55), transport from Beijing 200-400 RMB (£22-£45)
💡 Good to know: some parts of Jiankou are currently closed for restoration, so do check before you set off!
2. The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) - Anhui Province 🌄
The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) are truly China’s most iconic and spectacular mountain hiking destination! With mist-shrouded granite peaks, ancient pine trees clinging to the cliffs, and a sea of clouds drifting through the valleys... these are the very landscapes that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries!
This magnificent mountain range boasts a network of beautifully marked hiking trails, just waiting to guide you to its most breathtaking peaks and panoramic viewpoints. You've got a couple of fantastic options to choose from: embark on the 14km, 7-hour East route (affectionately known as Back Mountain), or challenge yourself with the steeper, yet equally stunning, West route (Front Mountain). For the truly adventurous souls, why not tackle the full loop over 2-3 days? You'll get to spend a magical night in one of the charming guesthouses nestled high up in the mountains, ready to witness the legendary sunrise from the summit – an experience you'll never forget!
Must-see highlights include Bright Summit (the highest point), Lotus Peak, Begin-to-Believe Peak (with its incredible views), and especially the West Sea Grand Canyon with its suspended walkways and glass bridges. Just a heads-up, there are plenty of stairs – we're talking thousands of steps!
Highlights:
- Postcard-perfect landscapes with a sea of clouds;
- A spectacular sunrise from the peaks;
- Hikes ranging from 1 to 3 days, depending on your schedule;
- A well-developed infrastructure, complete with cable cars and plenty of accommodation options.
Duration: 1 to 3 days
Distance: 7 to 35 km depending on the route
Budget: Ready to explore? Here's a glimpse at the costs: entry is 190 RMB (£20) during peak season, an optional cable car ride is 80 RMB (£9), and mountain accommodation ranges from 200-800 RMB (£22-£86).
3. Mount Huashan and its Plank Walk of Death – Shaanxi Province 😱
Hold on tight! We’re talking about the most dangerous hike in China – and arguably one of the most terrifying in the world. Mount Huashan, near Xi'an, is famous for its legendary 'Plank Walk', a 30cm-wide wooden walkway bolted onto a vertical cliff face. You'll be suspended over 300 metres above the abyss, with NO railings on the side of the drop!
Yes, you read that right. You have to edge along the cliff face, clinging to chains with a dizzying drop beneath your feet, all on creaking planks. Luckily, you’re strapped into a safety harness (phew!), but the experience remains absolutely terrifying and exhilarating. It’s estimated that around a hundred people die on Mount Huashan every year, mostly from slipping on the steep paths rather than the walkway itself.
But before you reach the famous walkway, you'll first have to tackle thousands of steep steps winding between the massif's five peaks (hence the name "Five Peaks Mountain"). The full climb is exhausting, but the views from the summits are spectacular, and the adrenaline rush on the walkway is well worth it if you're a thrill-seeker!
Highlights:
- The world's most terrifying plank walkway
- Spectacular panoramas from the five peaks
- A pure adrenaline experience
- Very steep and challenging mountain trails
Duration: 6-8 hours for the full circuit
Elevation gain: Over 1,500 metres
Budget: Entry is 160 RMB (approx. £18), the optional cable car is 140 RMB (approx. £15), and the walkway harness is 30 RMB (approx. £3).
📣 Trip.com tip: This hike is NOT for everyone! If you suffer from vertigo, have heart conditions, or aren't in peak physical fitness, it's best to give this one a miss!
4. Tiger Leaping Gorge - Yunnan Province 🐅
Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan is truly one of the most stunning treks in China, and even in the whole of Asia! This spectacular gorge, nestled between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,600m) and Haba Snow Mountain massifs, is one of the deepest in the world, with a 300-metre vertical drop from the Jinsha River right up to the peaks!
The classic 2-day trek follows the 'high trail' along the upper reaches of the gorge, offering absolutely incredible views of the crashing rapids below and the snow-capped peaks above. Legend has it that a tiger, pursued by a hunter, leapt from one side of the gorge to the other at its narrowest point (just 30 metres) – hence the name!
The trail covers around 25-28 km in total and is split into three sections (Upper, Middle, and Lower Gorge), with plenty of lovely guesthouses along the route where you can eat and stay the night. While the trek isn't technically difficult, it does involve some steep ascents—most notably the famous '28 Bends' section, which is quite a climb! The alpine scenery is absolutely stunning, particularly in spring as the snow melts and waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides.
Highlights:
- One of the most spectacular gorges in the world;
- An accessible 2-day trek with guesthouse accommodation;
- Stunning alpine landscapes;
- Authentic local Tibetan culture.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Distance: 25-28 km
Elevation change: approx. +/- 800m
Budget: Entry 65 RMB (£7.30), guesthouse stay 50-150 RMB (£5.60-£17.20), meals 30-60 RMB (£3.40-£6.90)
5. Moganshan - Near Shanghai 🎋
If you're in Shanghai and looking to go hiking without travelling too far, Moganshan is the ultimate destination! This bamboo-cloaked mountain, located around 200 km from Shanghai (a 2.5-hour drive), offers a wealth of lovely hiking trails through lush landscapes and traditional villages.
Historically, Moganshan was a popular mountain retreat for expats during the colonial era, and it’s still home to plenty of historic villas and charming buildings. Popular hiking routes include the Jiang Gong Ancient Path (10km), the Tianquan Mountain Trail (a 22km trek for the pros!), and several shorter 4-5km loops through the serene bamboo groves.
The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing, with babbling brooks, waterfalls, mountain lakes, and bamboo forests that creak gently in the breeze. It’s the perfect nature escape for a weekend away from Shanghai, especially in spring when everything is lush and green, or in autumn to see the vibrant colours of the maple trees!
Highlights:
- Easily accessible from Shanghai;
- A variety of trails for all abilities;
- Soothing bamboo forests;
- Historic villages and villas;
- Absolutely perfect for a rejuvenating weekend in nature.
Duration: 3 to 8 hours, depending on the trail
Distance: 4 to 22 km depending on the route
Budget: Park entry is 80 RMB (£9), accommodation ranges from 150-500 RMB (£16-£55), and it's easily accessible by train and bus from Shanghai.
6. Mount Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain) - Sichuan Province 🏔
For lovers of alpine landscapes and Tibetan culture, Mount Siguniang in Sichuan is a hidden paradise just waiting to be discovered! This sacred mountain and its four peaks, soaring above 6,000 metres, offer spectacular hiking trails through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and coniferous forests.
The most popular trek winds through the Changping Valley on a 29km round trip, offering the chance to go horse trekking and stay in traditional Tibetan teahouses. In spring (April–May), the melting snow creates waterfalls everywhere and the meadows are carpeted in wildflowers – it’s absolutely magical!
Highlights:
- Authentic Tibetan alpine landscapes;
- Local Tibetan culture;
- The chance to go horse trekking;
- A bit more off the beaten track than other spots.
Duration: 1 to 3 days
Distance: 29 km round trip for Changping Valley
Budget: Park entrance 150 RMB (£17), tea house accommodation 80-200 RMB (£9-£22)
Where to Hike Near China's Major Cities? 🗺
On a city break but still want to get back to nature? Here are the best hiking spots within easy reach of major cities:
- From Beijing: Explore the wild sections of the Great Wall (Jiankou, Gubeikou, and Huanghuacheng), just a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive away. It’s the perfect choice for a two-day hike with an authentic overnight stay in a local homestay!
- From Shanghai: Moganshan (2.5 hours), Huangshan, accessible by high-speed train (3 hours), and the Tianmu Mountains.
- From Xi'an: Mount Huashan (a 2-hour train journey) is perfect for a day or two, allowing you to include the famous plank walk.
- From Chengdu, your adventure awaits! Explore the majestic Mount Siguniang (a mere 3-4 hours away), the breathtaking Jiuzhaigou, and the spiritual Mount Emei. These incredible destinations are perfect for combining exhilarating mountain hikes with an immersive journey into rich Tibetan culture.
- From Kunming/Lijiang: Tiger Leaping Gorge (2-3 hours from Lijiang), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
China's Best Hiking Trails at a Glance
Spot | Location | Level | Duration | Best time to visit | Highlights |
Jiankou-Mutianyu | Beijing | Challenging | 4-6 hours | April-May, Sept-Oct | Wild Great Wall |
Yellow Mountains | Anhui | Moderate-Challenging | 1-3 days | April-Nov | Sea of clouds, granite peaks |
Mount Huashan | Shaanxi | Difficult-Extreme | 6-8 hours | April-Oct | Bridge of Death |
Tiger Leaping Gorge | Yunnan | Moderate | 2 days | April-May, Sept-Oct | The most spectacular gorge |
Moganshan | Zhejiang | Easy-Moderate | 3-8h | April-Nov | Bamboo forests within easy reach of Shanghai |
Mount Siguniang | Sichuan | Moderate-Challenging | 1-3 days | April-May | Tibetan alpine landscapes |
Trip.com's Pro Tips for Hiking in China 📝
🥾 Where to buy hiking boots in China?
If you've forgotten your shoes or need some gear, you'll find Decathlon stores in all major Chinese cities. Alternatively, local sports markets also offer equipment at more budget-friendly prices – just be sure to check the quality!
📱 Handy apps
Download WeChat (an absolute must!), Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments, Maps.me for offline navigation, and a VPN to access Google Maps.
🗺 Travel guides and organised tours
For the more challenging stretches like Jiankou or Tiger Leaping Gorge, a local guide really adds that extra layer of safety and rich cultural insight. Plenty of agencies offer hiking tours across China with English-speaking guides.
💧 Hydration and altitude
Always make sure to carry plenty of water (at least 2-3 litres), especially at high altitudes. Some spots, like Mt Siguniang, require a bit of time for acclimatisation.
🏥 Travel insurance
Make sure you take out a good insurance policy that covers mountain hiking; it’s really important to be prepared just in case anything goes wrong.
🌦 Changeable weather
Mountain weather can change in a heartbeat. Always pack a waterproof jacket, extra layers, and a head torch.
Start planning your next adventure on Trip.com today to grab the best deals on flights, hotels, train tickets and guided tours.
Happy hiking in China! 🥾✨
Hiking in China — FAQs ❓
Can you hike the entire Great Wall of China?
In theory, yes. But the full route stretches about 21,000 km and would take years! Most hikers focus on spectacular sections. A two-day trek from Jiankou to Mutianyu is already an incredible experience for hiking in China.What is the best season for hiking in China?
Autumn (September–November) is widely regarded as the ideal time for hiking in China, with dry weather, pleasant temperatures, and stunning foliage. Spring (April–June) is also excellent, when nature comes into full bloom.What fitness level is required for hiking in China?
It really depends on the trail! Moganshan is suitable for beginners, whereas Jiankou or Mount Huashan demand good fitness. The Yellow Mountains offer intermediate-level hiking in China, with plenty of steep stairways.Where can you go hiking near Shanghai?
Moganshan is the most popular and accessible option (about 2.5 hours by road), with trails through bamboo forests and villages. The Yellow Mountains are also reachable in just 3 hours by high-speed train, making them a great choice for hiking in China.Is Mount Huashan really dangerous?
Yes, it is considered China's most dangerous hike! The famous Plank Walk is dizzying, though you are secured with a safety harness. Around 100 fatalities occur there each year, mostly on steep trails rather than the plank walk itself. It is NOT suitable for anyone with a fear of heights.