Best National Parks in China | Hiking Trails that will Blow Your Mind
If a picture is worth a thousand words, we can’t begin to use this space to describe what we’re about to reveal. “colossal,” “otherworldly” and “spellbinding” might come close to describing these 5 natural wonders in China. Read on and discover for yourself.
Guilin Li River National Park, Guilin, Guangxi
Imagine winding your way through a valley of karst topography (gigantic, funky-shaped limestone rocks) on one of the most picturesque and stunning river journeys in the world. Take in more than 30 miles of eye candy, including natural caves, local villages and awe-inspiring peaks and ridges, during a day trek around Guilin Li River National Park, which is free to enter. Most visitors choose to be whisked downstream on a Li River boat cruise, but more daring adventurers can raft their way down to Yangshuo through hairpin river trails and misty passes. This river point is so famous, China includes an image of it on the 20 yuan note, but the real deal is absolutely priceless!
When to go?
Summer is generally the best time to enjoy the park, but everyone else thinks so, too! Be prepared to bump shoulders with loads of tourists during June through August. Though the weather is humid, temperatures average a comfortable 24°C (75.2°F). For more manageable crowds and a less balmy climate, opt for a spring or fall tour during the months of April and May or September and October, respectively. Winter is peaceful and still but can be treacherous for hikers who aren’t accustomed to trekking on snow.
How to get there?
Most hotels in Guilin and surrounding areas in Southeast China will help you book transportation to the park. From Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, you can reach Guilin Li River National Park in less than an hour.
Check In, Step Out from Yangshuo Li River Resort
Book here.
Huangshan National Park, Huangshan, Anhui
Strap on your Fitbit and prepare to log at least 60,000 steps! That’s about what it will take to explore all the nooks and crannies on the first day of the legendary Yellow Mountains in Huangshan National Park. Named after the noted 8th-century “Yellow Emperor” Huang Di, the Yellow Mountains and Huangshan National Park feature four natural wonders: imaginatively-named pine trees, oddly-shaped rocks, seas of cloud and natural hot springs. You’ll want to stay longer, we promise, and we recommend spending at least two days in the area. The park is accessible to all visitors, and those who aren’t into trekking can opt to see the sights from the comfort of cable cars and a monorail.
When to go?
Anytime between April and October is good, but tourists congregate heavily during June through August. The mountains are gorgeous in winter, for sure, but hiking during this time is not recommended for the faint of heart.
How to get there?
Book a bus, train or plane to Huangshan City from nearly any major airport. From there, you can board a bus or taxi and be trekking through the Yellow Mountains in about an hour. If you’re in Shanghai, ride the train (12 hours) or bus (6 hours) to Huangshan. Likewise, buses from Hangzhou will take you to the mountain base in about 4 hours.
Check In, Step Out from East Huangshan Castel Hotel
Book here.
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, Aba, Sichuan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jiuzhaigou attracts more than 2 million visitors a year who flock to gawk at heavenly blue lakes, endangered plant and animal species, Tibetan villages, grandiose waterfalls and a woodlands so drenched in color you’ll think you’re rolling around on an artist’s color palette!
When to go?
April through October offers the most convenient views and best camping weather, but peering out at snowy mountaintops in the winter months truly can’t be matched.
How to get there
Situated in the middle of the country, Jiuzhaigou National Park is accessible by direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing and Hangzhou.
Check In, Step Out from Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou
Book here.
Wulingyuan National Park, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
Not sure if you’re afraid of heights? Walk on a glass bridge at a height of 300 meters to figure this out! Some of Wulingyuan National Park’s most striking features include dense forest areas, more than 3,000 rock ridges, over 800 natural valleys and miles upon miles of the mysterious Maoyan River. No wonder parts of the award-winning film Avatar were filmed here. Defy gravity by walking through a sea of clouds, or take photos of fog pockets while perched on top of a waterfall. Once you’re ready to come back down to earth, drift lazily down the Maoyan River and soak yourself in a steaming, naturally-salted hot spring bath to end the day of adventure.
When to go?
Winter time in Zhangjiajie is freezing. So, we suggest either bundling up good or arriving any other time when it’s warmer, like between April and October.
How to get there?
Buses and taxis run all day from Zhangjiajie city (and the airport) to the park. Travel time is about one hour. Seasoned guides recommend spending no less than four days inside the park.
Check In, Step Out from Zhangjiajie Wind and Wood Inn
Book here.
Check In, Step Out from Zhanjiajie SIXX Hotel 2
Book here.
Zhangye Danxie National Geopark, Zhangye, Gansu
Voted as one of the most beautiful landforms in China amongst locals, Zhangye National Geopark is known for its unusual rock colours, formed from sandstone and other minerals over millions of years, resulting in its distinctive “layer cake” look.
When to go?
Winter time in Zhangjiajie is freezing cold. So, we suggest either bundling up good or arriving any time when it’s warmer, like between April and October.
Navigation
Buses and taxis run all day from Zhangjiajie city (and the airport) to the park. Travel time is about one hour. Travel guides often recommend spending no less than four days inside the park and we agree!
Check In, Step Out from Holiday Inn Express Zhangye
Book here.
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If a picture is worth a thousand words, we can’t begin to use this space to describe what we’re about to reveal. “colossal,” “otherworldly” and “spellbinding” might come close to describing these 5 natural wonders in China. Read on and discover for yourself.
Guilin Li River National Park, Guilin, Guangxi
Imagine winding your way through a valley of karst topography (gigantic, funky-shaped limestone rocks) on one of the most picturesque and stunning river journeys in the world. Take in more than 30 miles of eye candy, including natural caves, local villages and awe-inspiring peaks and ridges, during a day trek around Guilin Li River National Park, which is free to enter. Most visitors choose to be whisked downstream on a Li River boat cruise, but more daring adventurers can raft their way down to Yangshuo through hairpin river trails and misty passes. This river point is so famous, China includes an image of it on the 20 yuan note, but the real deal is absolutely priceless!
When to go?
Summer is generally the best time to enjoy the park, but everyone else thinks so, too! Be prepared to bump shoulders with loads of tourists during June through August. Though the weather is humid, temperatures average a comfortable 24°C (75.2°F). For more manageable crowds and a less balmy climate, opt for a spring or fall tour during the months of April and May or September and October, respectively. Winter is peaceful and still but can be treacherous for hikers who aren’t accustomed to trekking on snow.
How to get there?
Most hotels in Guilin and surrounding areas in Southeast China will help you book transportation to the park. From Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, you can reach Guilin Li River National Park in less than an hour.
Check In, Step Out from Yangshuo Li River Resort
Book here.
Huangshan National Park, Huangshan, Anhui
Strap on your Fitbit and prepare to log at least 60,000 steps! That’s about what it will take to explore all the nooks and crannies on the first day of the legendary Yellow Mountains in Huangshan National Park. Named after the noted 8th-century “Yellow Emperor” Huang Di, the Yellow Mountains and Huangshan National Park feature four natural wonders: imaginatively-named pine trees, oddly-shaped rocks, seas of cloud and natural hot springs. You’ll want to stay longer, we promise, and we recommend spending at least two days in the area. The park is accessible to all visitors, and those who aren’t into trekking can opt to see the sights from the comfort of cable cars and a monorail.
When to go?
Anytime between April and October is good, but tourists congregate heavily during June through August. The mountains are gorgeous in winter, for sure, but hiking during this time is not recommended for the faint of heart.
How to get there?
Book a bus, train or plane to Huangshan City from nearly any major airport. From there, you can board a bus or taxi and be trekking through the Yellow Mountains in about an hour. If you’re in Shanghai, ride the train (12 hours) or bus (6 hours) to Huangshan. Likewise, buses from Hangzhou will take you to the mountain base in about 4 hours.
Check In, Step Out from East Huangshan Castel Hotel
Book here.
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, Aba, Sichuan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jiuzhaigou attracts more than 2 million visitors a year who flock to gawk at heavenly blue lakes, endangered plant and animal species, Tibetan villages, grandiose waterfalls and a woodlands so drenched in color you’ll think you’re rolling around on an artist’s color palette!
When to go?
April through October offers the most convenient views and best camping weather, but peering out at snowy mountaintops in the winter months truly can’t be matched.
How to get there
Situated in the middle of the country, Jiuzhaigou National Park is accessible by direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing and Hangzhou.
Check In, Step Out from Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou
Book here.
Wulingyuan National Park, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
Not sure if you’re afraid of heights? Walk on a glass bridge at a height of 300 meters to figure this out! Some of Wulingyuan National Park’s most striking features include dense forest areas, more than 3,000 rock ridges, over 800 natural valleys and miles upon miles of the mysterious Maoyan River. No wonder parts of the award-winning film Avatar were filmed here. Defy gravity by walking through a sea of clouds, or take photos of fog pockets while perched on top of a waterfall. Once you’re ready to come back down to earth, drift lazily down the Maoyan River and soak yourself in a steaming, naturally-salted hot spring bath to end the day of adventure.
When to go?
Winter time in Zhangjiajie is freezing. So, we suggest either bundling up good or arriving any other time when it’s warmer, like between April and October.
How to get there?
Buses and taxis run all day from Zhangjiajie city (and the airport) to the park. Travel time is about one hour. Seasoned guides recommend spending no less than four days inside the park.
Check In, Step Out from Zhangjiajie Wind and Wood Inn
Book here.
Check In, Step Out from Zhanjiajie SIXX Hotel 2
Book here.
Zhangye Danxie National Geopark, Zhangye, Gansu
Voted as one of the most beautiful landforms in China amongst locals, Zhangye National Geopark is known for its unusual rock colours, formed from sandstone and other minerals over millions of years, resulting in its distinctive “layer cake” look.
When to go?
Winter time in Zhangjiajie is freezing cold. So, we suggest either bundling up good or arriving any time when it’s warmer, like between April and October.
Navigation
Buses and taxis run all day from Zhangjiajie city (and the airport) to the park. Travel time is about one hour. Travel guides often recommend spending no less than four days inside the park and we agree!
Check In, Step Out from Holiday Inn Express Zhangye
Book here.
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