
Best Backpacking Destinations in Taihe, China
1. Wulingyuan Scenic Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with towering sandstone pillars and lush forests.
- Unique Landscapes: Offers diverse landscapes, from vast canyons to dense forests.
- Availability of Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails for backpackers.
- Night Views: Famous for its spectacular night views, especially during full moon.
2. Tianzishan National Forest Park
Home to the sacred Tianzi Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the cloud sea.
- Cloud Sea Views: Provides a unique experience of walking amongst clouds.
- Mountain Hiking: Offers challenging mountain hikes for experienced backpackers.
- Spiritual Significance: Has spiritual significance for local cultures and offers cultural exploration opportunities.
3. Zhangjiaje National Forest Park
Famous for its quartz-sandstone peaks and towering pillars.
- Unique Rock Formations: Features unique rock formations, such as the 'Southern Moon', 'Tianbo Mansion'.
- Cable Car Access: Provides cable car access for easy exploration of scenic areas.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers numerous photography opportunities due to its stunning landscapes.
4. Shenmu Tulou Cluster
A cluster of circular earth buildings, a unique architectural wonder.
- Circular Architecture: Features circular, fortress-like structures built for protection.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a unique cultural immersion experience.
- Eco-friendly Accommodation: Provides eco-friendly accommodation options within the tulou structures.
5. Fenghuang Ancient Town
An ancient town nestled on the banks of the Tuojiang River, known for its traditional architecture.
- Authentic Architecture: Preserves traditional Miao and Tujia architectural styles.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as local festivals and performances.
- Shopping Opportunities: Provides unique shopping opportunities for traditional handicrafts and local food.
6. Jishou Ancient City
An ancient city known for its well-preserved Tujia architecture.
- Tujia Architecture: Features unique, colorful Tujia architectural styles.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deeper understanding of the Tujia culture.
- Mountain Scenery: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests.
7. Yanghu Scenic Area
A picturesque area with over 30 natural springs and limestone caves.
- Natural Springs: Offers a chance to relax in the healing waters of natural springs.
- Limestone Caves: Features stunning limestone caves, such as the 'Ice Cave' and 'Fairy Cave'.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails for backpackers.
8. Tongguan Great Wall
A section of the Great Wall of China located in Taihe, known for its strategic location.
- Strategic Location: Built to protect against invasions and trade routes.
- Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into China's rich history and the Great Wall's significance.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, offering scenic views.
9. Gaoyao Mountain
A mountain known for its hot springs and breathtaking landscapes.
- Hot Springs: Offers a relaxing experience in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning landscapes with waterfalls and dense forests.
- Hiking Trails: Provides challenging hiking trails for experienced backpackers.
10. Fenghuang Lake
A serene lake surrounded by forests and mountains.
- Serene Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests.
- Boat Rides: Provides boat rides for exploring the lake.
11. Longgang Dong Village
A traditional Dong village with its unique round houses and vibrant culture.
- Round Houses: Features traditional, circular Dong houses.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a unique cultural immersion experience.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests.
12. Zhangjiaje National Forest Park - Golden Summit
The highest viewpoint in Zhangjiaje National Forest Park offering panoramic views.
- Panoramic Views: Offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the park.
- Challenging Hike: Requires a challenging hike to reach the summit.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides unparalleled photography opportunities.
13. Yangshuo County
A scenic county with limestone hills, rivers, and rice paddies.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful limestone hills, rivers, and rice paddies.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers a variety of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and kayaking.
- Cultural Experiences: Provides cultural experiences with local villages and markets.
14. Tianmen Mountain
A mountain known for its natural archway, cable car, and scenic views.
- Natural Archway: Features a stunning, naturally-formed archway.
- Cable Car Ride: Provides an exhilarating cable car ride up the mountain.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding area.
15. Lotus Cave
A cave famous for its stalactites and lotus-shaped rock formations.
- Lotus Rock Formations: Features unique, lotus-shaped rock formations.
- Stalactites: Offers a chance to explore stunning stalactite formations.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, offering scenic views.