
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Qingnian, China
1. Tiger Leaping Gorge
A breathtaking hike along the Jinsha River, featuring steep cliffs and stunning views of the Yangtze River.
- Length: The trail covers a distance of 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Qiaotou to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Scenery: Tiger Leaping Gorge is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the highest and second-highest waterfalls in China.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is moderately challenging, with steep terrain and a significant elevation gain.
2. Labazhou Grand Canyon
A lesser-known canyon offering a more secluded hiking experience with panoramic views of the Yulong Snow Mountain.
- Uncrowded: The Labazhou Grand Canyon sees fewer tourists than Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- Scenery: Hikers can enjoy the stunning views of Yulong Snow Mountain, as well as diverse flora and fauna.
- Accessibility: The canyon is easily accessible by public transportation from Lijiang City.
3. Haba Snow Mountain
A remote and challenging hike leading to the summit of one of China's highest peaks.
- Height: Haba Snow Mountain stands at an impressive elevation of 5,396 meters (17,697 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and vast valleys.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is highly challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
4. Meili Snow Mountain
A popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- Scenery: Meili Snow Mountain is known for its beautiful glaciers, snowy peaks, and lush valleys.
- Climate: The mountain's climate can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and potential snowfall even in summer.
- Accessibility: Meili Snow Mountain is located near the border town of Shangri-La, which is accessible by air or train from major cities like Kunming.
5. Kawa Valley
A remote and secluded valley featuring unique Karst landforms and diverse plant and animal life.
- Isolation: The Kawa Valley is located deep in the mountains, far from civilization.
- Scenery: Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of towering Karst formations, lush forests, and turquoise pools.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is challenging due to its steep terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
6. Haba Snow Lake
A beautiful high-altitude lake nestled in the Haba Snow Mountain range, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
- Height: The lake sits at an elevation of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters, and vast valleys.
- Difficulty Level: The trail to Haba Snow Lake is challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
7. Gaoligong Mountain
A remote and rugged mountain range offering a challenging hike with diverse wildlife and stunning views.
- Isolation: The Gaoligong Mountain range is located in a remote and sparsely populated area.
- Scenery: Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush valleys, and diverse plant and animal life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
8. Yading Nature Reserve
A stunning nature reserve featuring snow-capped peaks, holy lakes, and diverse wildlife.
- Scenery: Yading Nature Reserve is home to the sacred Mount Kangri Glacier, as well as numerous turquoise lakes.
- Wildlife: The reserve is a haven for rare and endangered species such as the Tibetan antelope and red panda.
- Accessibility: The nature reserve is located near the town of Daocheng, which can be reached by air or bus from major cities like Chengdu.
9. Xueshan Mountain
A remote and challenging mountain offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and diverse plant life.
- Height: Xueshan Mountain stands at an impressive elevation of 6,271 meters (20,573 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and diverse plant life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail to Xueshan Mountain is highly challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
10. Napa Snow Mountain
A remote and challenging mountain offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and diverse plant life.
- Height: Napa Snow Mountain stands at an impressive elevation of 6,059 meters (19,848 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and diverse plant life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail to Napa Snow Mountain is highly challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
11. Ganhaizi Grassland
A remote grassland offering a challenging hike with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and diverse plant life.
- Isolation: The Ganhaizi Grassland is located in a remote and sparsely populated area.
- Scenery: Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and diverse plant life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is challenging due to its steep terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
12. Xuefeng Snow Mountain
A remote and challenging mountain offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and diverse plant life.
- Height: Xuefeng Snow Mountain stands at an impressive elevation of 6,740 meters (22,113 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and diverse plant life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail to Xuefeng Snow Mountain is highly challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
13. Meili Snow Mountain Glacier
A challenging hike leading to the base of a stunning glacier on Meili Snow Mountain.
- Height: The trail leads to an elevation of approximately 5,300 meters (17,388 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and diverse plant life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is highly challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.
14. Yading Valley
A stunning valley featuring snow-capped peaks, holy lakes, and diverse wildlife.
- Scenery: Yading Valley is home to the sacred Mount Kangri Glacier, as well as numerous turquoise lakes.
- Wildlife: The valley is a haven for rare and endangered species such as the Tibetan antelope and red panda.
- Accessibility: The valley is located near the town of Daocheng, which can be reached by air or bus from major cities like Chengdu.
15. Gangkhar Puensum
A challenging hike to the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, located on the border of Bhutan and China.
- Height: Gangkhar Puensum stands at an impressive elevation of 7,570 meters (24,836 feet).
- Scenery: Hikers can marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and diverse plant life.
- Difficulty Level: The trail is extremely challenging due to its steep terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions.