Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Taihecun, China
1. Taihei Mountain Trail
A challenging 5-day hike offering breathtaking views of the valley and the Taihecun town.
- Altitude Gain: Reaches an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Passes through various ecosystems, including forests and alpine meadows.
- Culture: Provides opportunities to interact with local Taihecun tribes.
2. Longyang Gorge Trail
A 3-day hike along the stunning Longyang Gorge, with dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 40 kilometers.
- Geology: Offers a unique glimpse into the region's karst geology.
- Wildlife: Possibility of spotting rare species such as the clouded leopard and the red panda.
3. Tianlong Mountain Trail
A difficult 6-day hike to Tianlong Peak, offering panoramic views of the Taihecun region.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level.
- Landscape: Passes through diverse landscapes including forests, grasslands, and snow-capped peaks.
- Adventure: Includes a via ferrata section for the more adventurous hikers.
4. Jiulong River Trail
A moderate 2-day hike following the Jiulong River, offering a mix of forest and river views.
- River Crossings: Requires several river crossings using traditional bamboo rafts.
- Flora and Fauna: Rich in diverse plant and animal life, including exotic birds and orchids.
- Tribal Culture: Opportunities to learn about the local Red Yi tribe's culture and customs.
5. Xianglong Mountain Trail
A strenuous 4-day hike to Xianglong Peak, offering stunning sunrise and sunset views.
- Altitude Gain: Reaches an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Experience: A chance to camp overnight at the summit of Xianglong Peak.
6. Nanling Mountains Trail
A demanding 7-day hike through the Nanling Mountains, offering a challenging wilderness experience.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 100 kilometers.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 2,500 meters above sea level.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot the endangered Chinese Salamander and various bird species.
7. Wulingyuan Scenic Area Trail
A moderate 3-day hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique glimpse into karst landscapes.
- Geology: Offers a unique glimpse into the region's karst geology.
- Scenery: Passes through various landscapes, including forests, caves, and natural bridges.
- Cultural Sites: Includes visits to Tianzi Mountain and Zhangjiaje National Forest Park.
8. Mangshan National Nature Reserve Trail
A challenging 5-day hike through the Mangshan National Nature Reserve, offering a wilderness experience.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 60 kilometers.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot the Asian Elephant and various primate species.
9. Yanjia Mountain Trail
A moderate 2-day hike through Yanjia Mountain, offering a mix of forest and river views.
- River Crossings: Requires several river crossings using traditional bamboo rafts.
- Flora and Fauna: Rich in diverse plant and animal life, including exotic birds and orchids.
- Tribal Culture: Opportunities to learn about the local Red Yi tribe's culture and customs.
10. Wulongqing Trail
A difficult 4-day hike through the Wulongqing area, offering a challenging wilderness experience.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 50 kilometers.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot the endangered Chinese Salamander and various bird species.
11. Fenghuang Mountain Trail
A moderate 3-day hike through Fenghuang Mountain, offering a mix of forest and river views.
- River Crossings: Requires several river crossings using traditional bamboo rafts.
- Flora and Fauna: Rich in diverse plant and animal life, including exotic birds and orchids.
- Tribal Culture: Opportunities to learn about the local Miao tribe's culture and customs.
12. Tongtian River Trail
A challenging 6-day hike following the Tongtian River, offering a wilderness experience.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 90 kilometers.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot the endangered Chinese Salamander and various bird species.
13. Bailong Tiankeng Trail
A moderate 1-day hike to the Bailong Tiankeng, a massive hole in the ground.
- Depth: The Bailong Tiankeng is one of the deepest holes in the world, with a depth of over 300 meters.
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding karst landscapes.
- Geology: Provides a unique glimpse into the region's karst geology.
14. Huangshan Mountain Trail
A difficult 5-day hike through Huangshan Mountain, offering a challenging wilderness experience.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 70 kilometers.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 1,800 meters above sea level.
- Scenery: Passes through diverse landscapes including forests, grasslands, and unique rock formations.
15. Gaoligong Mountain Trail
A strenuous 7-day hike through Gaoligong Mountain, offering a wilderness experience.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 120 kilometers.
- Altitude: Reaches an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot the endangered Snow Leopard and various bird species.