Hikes in China
Hikes in China, as listed here, are three point-to-point routes in Yunnan, Anhui and Hunan, with difficulty running from moderate to strenuous and, at Zhangjiajie, from easy to strenuous depending on the route. Official seasons center on spring and fall, with Huangshan also open for winter snow scenes.
This collection brings together three mountain walks in China: Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, Huangshan in Anhui and Zhangjiajie in Hunan. All three are point-to-point routes, and each is overseen by a regional scenic authority rather than a national park service. They differ a good deal in character. Tiger Leaping Gorge is typically walked guesthouse-to-guesthouse over 2 days, with a steep switchback section known as the 28 Bends. Huangshan is rated strenuous. Zhangjiajie offers the widest spread, from a flat forest walk along Golden Whip Stream to stairways and cliff-edge boardwalks.
The routes at a glance
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Tiger Leaping Gorge · Yunnan · China
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a point-to-point route in Yunnan, rated moderate to strenuous. The High Trail covers about 20-22 km (12-14 mi) and is typically walked guesthouse-to-guesthouse over 2 days. Its steepest stretch is the 28 Bends switchbacks. It suits walkers comfortable with sustained climbing and elevations between about 1,800 m and 2,700 m.
- Distance
- ~20-22 km (12-14 mi) for the High Trail, typically walked guesthouse-to-guesthouse over 2 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate to strenuous
- Official season
- Spring and fall; summer brings rain and rockfall risk
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Huangshan — Yellow Mountain · Anhui · China
Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is a point-to-point route in Anhui rated strenuous. Distance and elevation gain are not published on this page, so check the managing authority for route details. It suits hikers prepared for a demanding day and flexible on timing, since the season runs from spring to fall, with winter offering snow scenes.
- Distance
- Check the official source
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Official season
- Spring to fall; winter for snow scenes
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Zhangjiajie — the Avatar Pillars · Hunan · China
Zhangjiajie, known for the Avatar Pillars, is a point-to-point destination in Hunan where difficulty varies widely by route. Golden Whip Stream is an easy, flat forest walk of about 7.5 km. The Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie stairways and cliff-edge boardwalks are strenuous. It suits both relaxed walkers and those seeking a harder outing.
- Distance
- Check the official source
- Difficulty
- Varies widely by route: easy (Golden Whip Stream, ~7.5 km, flat forest walk) to strenuous (Tianzi Mountain / Yuanjiajie stairways and cliff-edge boardwalks)
- Official season
- Spring and fall for milder weather and fewer crowds
How to choose between them
Start with effort. Zhangjiajie is the only trail here with an easy option, the flat Golden Whip Stream walk of about 7.5 km, while its stairway and boardwalk routes are strenuous. Tiger Leaping Gorge is moderate to strenuous and asks for a 2-day commitment, with a short, steep climb on the 28 Bends. Huangshan is strenuous throughout. All three are point-to-point, so plan how you will return to your starting point. Distances and elevation gain for Huangshan and Zhangjiajie are not published on this page, so confirm them with the managing authority before choosing.
When to go
The official seasons for these trails cluster around spring and fall. Tiger Leaping Gorge is best in spring and fall, since summer brings rain and rockfall risk. Huangshan is listed for spring to fall, with winter also noted for snow scenes. Zhangjiajie is recommended in spring and fall for milder weather and fewer crowds. Because conditions and access can change, confirm current dates and any restrictions with each managing authority before you travel.
Common questions
How many hikes are in this China collection?
There are three: Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui and Zhangjiajie in Hunan. All three are point-to-point routes managed by a regional scenic authority, and they cover a wide range of effort levels.
Which China hike is the easiest?
Zhangjiajie includes the easiest option, Golden Whip Stream, a flat forest walk of about 7.5 km. Its other routes, such as the Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie stairways and cliff-edge boardwalks, are strenuous, so difficulty depends on the route you choose.
When is the best time to hike in China?
Spring and fall are the official seasons across all three trails. Huangshan also lists winter for snow scenes, while Tiger Leaping Gorge warns of rain and rockfall risk in summer. Confirm dates with each managing authority before you go.
How long does Tiger Leaping Gorge take?
The High Trail is about 20-22 km (12-14 mi) and is typically walked guesthouse-to-guesthouse over 2 days. It is rated moderate to strenuous, and the steepest section is the 28 Bends switchbacks, which gain about 400 m in a short distance.
Sources
Facts come from each route's official managing authority, linked on its trail guide:
- Regional scenic authority — UNESCO World Heritage Centre (Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan) (Tiger Leaping Gorge)
- Regional scenic authority — UNESCO World Heritage Centre (Mount Huangshan) (Huangshan — Yellow Mountain)
- Regional scenic authority — UNESCO World Heritage Centre (Wulingyuan Scenic Area) (Zhangjiajie — the Avatar Pillars)
Conditions, permits and access rules change without notice — confirm current information with each managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy.