Best Backpacking Destinations in Xin’an, China

Xin’an, China, Xin’an, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Best Backpacking Destinations

Best Backpacking Destinations in Xin’an, China

1. Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Explore the moon-like landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique karst formations.
  • Unique Landscapes: Offers a unique experience with its lunar-like landscape and towering sandstone pillars.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails for backpackers to explore the scenic area.
  • Zhangjiaje National Forest Park: Includes access to Zhangjiaje National Forest Park, another must-visit destination within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

2. Tiantai Mountain

Climb one of China's sacred Buddhist mountains and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.
  • Spiritual Significance: Tiantai Mountain holds deep spiritual significance as a holy site for Chinese Buddhism.
  • Historic Temples: Visit historic temples, monasteries, and pagodas along the way during your hike.
  • Mountain Paths: Provides challenging mountain paths that offer a rewarding sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.

3. Miao and Dong Villages

Discover traditional ethnic minority cultures in the beautiful hillside villages of Miao and Dong.
  • Cultural Exchange: Offers an opportunity for cultural exchange with the friendly locals who are eager to share their customs.
  • Architectural Wonders: Features unique wooden architecture, rice terraces, and traditional music performances.
  • Scenic Beauty: Located in breathtaking landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of Xin’an's hillside regions.

4. Yellow Mountain

Hike through lush forests and see the famous sunrise over the sea of clouds at Yellow Mountain.
  • Sea of Clouds: Known for its iconic sea of clouds that create a breathtaking natural phenomenon.
  • Rare Flora and Fauna: Home to many rare species of flora and fauna, including the elusive yellow-throated marten.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels catering to different backpacker preferences.

5. Sanyawan Hot Springs

Relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic hot springs of Sanyawan.
  • Therapeutic Properties: The mineral-rich hot spring water is believed to have various healing properties.
  • Scenic Surroundings: Surrounded by lush forest and picturesque mountain vistas for a serene atmosphere.
  • Overnight Stays: Offers options for overnight stays, allowing backpackers to fully enjoy the experience.

6. Tulou Cluster

Explore the unique circular earth buildings called Tulou and learn about the Hakka culture.
  • Architectural Wonders: Featuring the iconic circular earth buildings known as Tulou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Hakka Culture: Provides insights into the unique Hakka culture and their defensive building methods.
  • Scenic Beauty: Located in a scenic area with rolling hills, rice paddies, and lush forests.

7. Gaolanong Natural Reserve

Experience the diverse wildlife of Gaolanong Natural Reserve, home to many endangered species.
  • Endangered Species: Offers a chance to observe several endangered species such as the giant panda and golden monkey.
  • Biodiversity: Boasts high levels of biodiversity with over 1,400 plant species and numerous animal species.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails that offer opportunities to explore the reserve's diverse ecosystems.

8. Jiuquan Desert

Embark on a camel trek through the stunning Jiuquan Desert and witness the sunset over the dunes.
  • Camel Treks: Offers guided camel treks through the picturesque desert landscapes.
  • Night Sky Observation: Provides opportunities for stargazing and observing the night sky, free of light pollution.
  • Desert Scenery: Features stunning desert scenery with towering dunes, rock formations, and occasional sandstorms.

9. Tongluo Grassland

Experience the nomadic life of the Tibetan herdsmen on Tongluo Grassland.
  • Nomadic Lifestyle: Gain insights into the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan herdsmen.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers a serene atmosphere with rolling hills, verdant grasslands, and clear skies.
  • Yak Herding: Observes the local Tibetan herdsmen tending to their yaks and other livestock.

10. Qingyuan Meteorite Crater

Visit the unique Qingyuan Meteorite Crater and learn about the cosmic event that created it.
  • Cosmic Event: Provides an opportunity to witness a rare meteorite crater formed by a cosmic impact.
  • Geological Interest: Intrigues geology enthusiasts with its unique geological features and scientific significance.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails that lead to the crater for exploration and observation.

11. Shilin Scenic Area

Discover the breathtaking karst landscapes of Shilin Scenic Area.
  • Karst Landscapes: Showcases stunning karst landscapes, similar to those found in Wulingyuan.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides a variety of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty for backpackers.
  • Skywalks and Elevators: Includes skywalks and elevators to help explore the area's unique rock formations.

12. Zhangjiaje National Park

Hike through Zhangjiaje National Park and marvel at the towering sandstone pillars known as 'Skyward Needles'.
  • Unique Landscapes: Offers a unique experience with its iconic towering sandstone pillars known as 'Skyward Needles'.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails catering to different backpacker preferences and levels of difficulty.
  • Scenic Beauty: Located in a scenic area with lush forests, waterfalls, and colorful landscapes.

13. Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve

Climb Fanjingshan, the holy mountain of Buddhism, and witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit.
  • Spiritual Significance: Holds deep spiritual significance as a holy site for Chinese Buddhism.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides challenging mountain paths that offer a rewarding sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.
  • Historic Temples: Visit historic temples, monasteries, and pagodas along the way during your hike.

14. Feng Huang Ancient City

Step back in time and explore the well-preserved ancient city of Feng Huang.
  • Historical Significance: Showcases the historical significance of the Miao and Dong ethnic minorities in Xin’an.
  • Architectural Wonders: Features unique wooden architecture, narrow lanes, and traditional markets.
  • Scenic Beauty: Located in a scenic area with picturesque mountains, rivers, and rice terraces.

15. Pingzhou Ancient Town

Discover the ancient charm of Pingzhou with its historic architecture, traditional markets, and local culture.
  • Cultural Exchange: Offers an opportunity for cultural exchange with the friendly locals who are eager to share their customs.
  • Architectural Wonders: Featuring unique wooden architecture, traditional markets, and historic buildings.
  • Scenic Beauty: Located in a scenic area with picturesque mountains, rivers, and rice terraces.