Best Backpacking Destinations in Ankang, Shaanxi, China

1. Tianlong Mountain (天龍山)

A picturesque mountain range with breathtaking hiking trails and panoramic views of the city.

Varied Terrain: Offers a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to cater to all levels of hikers.
Wildlife Sightings: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Ankang Snub-nosed Monkey.
Sunrise Viewpoint: Provides a stunning sunrise view over the city that is worth waking up early for.

A tranquil mountain retreat offering peaceful hiking trails and stunning waterfall views.

Waterfalls: Boasts multiple picturesque waterfalls along the hiking trails.
Bamboo Forests: Features dense bamboo forests that create a serene and mystical atmosphere.
Temple Sightings: Incorporates historic temples along the hiking routes, adding cultural significance to the trek.

A scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a relaxing picnic or a boat ride.

Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and greenery.
Boat Rentals: Allows visitors to rent boats for a serene lake exploration experience.
Picnic Spots: Provides picnic areas for a peaceful and picturesque meal.

A breathtaking canyon offering challenging hikes and awe-inspiring views.

Challenging Hikes: Features steep and challenging trails for the more adventurous hikers.
Rock Climbing Opportunities: Offers opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts to test their skills.
Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to spot rare and endangered species such as the Ankang Snub-nosed Monkey.

A breathtaking gorge with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters ideal for kayaking.

Kayaking: Allows visitors to kayak through the stunning gorge.
Rock Climbing: Offers opportunities for rock climbing on the steep cliffs lining the gorge.
Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to spot rare and endangered species such as the Ankang Snub-nosed Monkey.

A serene village nestled among rice paddies and surrounded by mountains.

Rice Paddy Hikes: Offers scenic hikes through the picturesque rice paddies.
Homestays: Allows visitors to stay in traditional village homes for an authentic experience.
Local Cuisine: Provides opportunities to sample traditional Ankang cuisine, such as Baiji Rice Noodles.

A mountain with a rich history and stunning temples at its peak.

Historic Temples: Features historic temples at the summit, offering spiritual experiences.
Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.

A beautiful river offering scenic boat rides and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Boat Rides: Allows visitors to take scenic boat rides along the river.
Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to spot rare and endangered species such as the Ankang Snub-nosed Monkey.
Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and greenery.

An ancient temple offering spiritual experiences and beautiful architecture.

Spiritual Experience: Provides a peaceful and spiritual experience for visitors.
Historic Architecture: Showcases beautiful historic architecture with unique carvings.
Cultural Significance: Holds cultural and historical significance for the Ankang region.

A serene mountain retreat with stunning views and a chance to experience Buddhist culture.

Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Buddhist Culture: Provides an opportunity to experience Buddhist culture and practice.
Hiking Trails: Features a variety of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.

A vast national park offering a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Diverse Ecosystems: Offers a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot rare and endangered species such as the Ankang Snub-nosed Monkey.
Hiking Trails: Features a network of hiking trails for all levels of hikers.

A beautiful botanical garden showcasing the diverse flora of Ankang.

Diverse Flora: Showcases a wide variety of plants, many of which are native to Ankang.
Relaxing Environment: Offers a peaceful and relaxing environment for visitors.
Guided Tours: Provides guided tours to help visitors learn about the plants and their uses.

A beautiful wetland area offering opportunities to spot rare birds and other wildlife.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot rare and endangered species such as the Ankang Snub-nosed Monkey.
Birdwatching: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species of birds.
Nature Walks: Features nature walks along the wetlands, offering a peaceful and scenic experience.

A geological park showcasing unique rock formations and fascinating geological history.

Unique Rock Formations: Features a variety of unique and stunning rock formations.
Geological History: Provides insights into the geological history of Ankang.
Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help visitors understand the park's geology and history.

A historic city offering a glimpse into Ankang's rich past.

Historic Architecture: Showcases beautiful historic architecture with unique carvings.
Cultural Significance: Holds cultural and historical significance for the Ankang region.
Local Culture: Provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions of Ankang.