Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Shulan, China

1. Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring towering sandstone pillars and lush forests, offering diverse hiking trails.

Unique Flora & Fauna: Home to rare plants like the giant pandas and many endemic species.
Availability of Guides: Guided tours available for visitors, enhancing understanding of the region's history and ecology.
Accessibility: Easy access from nearby cities like Zhangjiajie, making it an attractive option for travelers.

A section of the Yangtze River famous for its stunning views and challenging hikes.

Stunning Landscapes: Breathtaking vistas of steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests.
Cultural Experiences: Encounter local Naxi and Lisu ethnic minority communities along the trail.
Difficulty Level: Longer, more strenuous hikes for experienced trekkers.

Follow the ancient Silk Road through lush valleys and stunning canyons along the Jinsha River.

Historical Significance: Walk in the footsteps of traders who used the Silk Road for centuries.
Scenic Beauty: Vistas of jagged cliffs, rushing rivers, and verdant forests abound.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Less crowded than other popular trails in China, offering a more authentic adventure.

Iconic Chinese mountains with sunsets that set the rock formations aglow.

Photography Opportunities: Unparalleled landscapes for capturing stunning photos.
Cable Car Accessibility: Cable cars available for those who prefer not to hike the steep trails.
Pine Trees and Clouds: Famous for its sea of clouds and pine trees, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Home to sacred Buddhist sites and diverse wildlife, including the endangered giant panda.

Spiritual Journey: Visit holy Mount Kailash, a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
Wildlife Encounters: Chance to observe giant pandas and other rare animals in their natural habitat.
Eco-tourism Focus: Strict regulations ensure minimal impact on the delicate ecosystem.

A cool retreat from the heat of China's coast, with lush forests and historic architecture.

Temperature Relief: Cooler temperatures compared to coastal cities make for a pleasant hiking experience.
Historic Architecture: Explore European-style villas and buildings from the early 20th century.
Biodiversity: Rich biodiversity with a large variety of flora and fauna.

Sacred Buddhist mountain featuring temples, scenic hiking trails, and a golden summit.

Religious Significance: Visit four major Buddhist temples along the trail.
Sunrise and Sunset Views: Stunning views of sunrises and sunsets from the summit.
Challenging Hikes: Variety of hiking trails, including challenging multi-day treks.

Roam the world's highest plateau, taking in breathtaking vistas and ancient Tibetan culture.

Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique traditions and way of life of the Tibetan people.
Altitude Challenges: Acclimatization required due to the high altitude.
Nomadic Encounters: Meet nomadic herders living a traditional lifestyle on the plateau.

Protected rainforest with diverse wildlife and ethnic minority communities.

Biodiversity: Home to many endangered species such as the clouded leopard.
Cultural Experiences: Engage with ethnic minority communities like the Dai and Lisu.
Rainforest Preservation: Helps conserve one of China's last remaining large rainforests.

A pristine alpine lake offering beautiful hiking trails and stunning views.

Natural Beauty: Vibrant blue waters surrounded by grasslands, mountains, and nomadic tents.
Cultural Discovery: Encounter Tibetan and Hui communities living along the lake.
Seasonal Migration: Witness the migration of nomadic herders in the summer months.

A challenging mountain with steep hiking trails and spectacular views.

Thrill-seeking Adventure: Known for its vertigo-inducing plank walks.
Historical Significance: Sacred mountain with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.
Challenging Hikes: Steep trails and exposed sections make it suitable for experienced hikers.

An ancient Taoist mountain featuring a cable car, temples, and scenic hiking trails.

Religious Significance: Temple complexes dedicated to various Taoist deities.
Cultural Experience: Learn about the history and traditions of Taoism from local guides.
Accessibility Options: Cable car available for those who prefer not to hike up the mountain.

A sacred Buddhist site with temples and stunning sunrises atop the summit.

Religious Significance: Visit the Wannien Temple on the summit, home to a golden sitting Buddha.
Sunrise Views: Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the fog-shrouded mountains.
Crowd Control: Limited daily capacity to control crowds and protect the environment.

A scenic canyon with unique rock formations, lush forests, and stunning views.

Unique Landscapes: Known for its sea of clouds and pine-covered peaks.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal location for capturing stunning photos of the landscape.
Accessibility: Easy access from nearby cities like Huangshan, making it convenient to visit.

An UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic hiking trails and ancient temples.

Historical Significance: Home to numerous historic temples, including the famous Tianlong Pavilion.
Cultural Experience: Learn about Taoist and Buddhist beliefs from local guides.
Scenic Beauty: Stunning landscapes of cliffs, waterfalls, and tea plantations.