China is already on our list of destinations with the Trans-Mongolian, the Trans-Siberian, Yunnan or the Easy China and now, after a brief but intense trip to eastern China, we are back with a new highlight for this September: nature walks in eastern China. Alongside cosmopolitan cities in the east, this route takes in central China’s most spectacular sites: The pinnacles of Yangshuo and the Li River; the stone forest of Zhangjiajie and the Great Wall at Jinshanling. Masterpieces of nature await us on varied, accessible walks that take us away from the local crowds. To help us understand this country’s complex society, the trip will be led by a Spanish guide who has lived in China for many years.
What will we see?
Beijing and Shanghai
Two fascinating megacities where we can take the pulse of the country’s modern life. Beyond the Palaces and Temples, architecture, engineering works, shows and modern art museums are essential visits.
The Great Wall
The Jinshanling, about 100 km from Beijing, is particularly scenic and relatively little visited. Original sections alternate with restored ones, and its 31 watchtowers in different styles are a major attraction. The walk between Jinshanling and neighbouring Simatai (4 hours) is one of the most popular hiking routes; we will follow part of it (about 2 hours).
Zhangjiajie, the floating mountains of Pandora-Avatar
Brought to the attention of mass tourism by the film Avatar, this natural region is classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its magnificent landscapes of sandstone in the form of columns that rise towards the sky.
Within the Zhangjiajie area we find three main visiting areas
- Tianmen Mountain. The Gate of Heaven: Just 8 km from the city centre and with a height of 1518 m, this mountain attracts visitors both because of the uniqueness of the (spectacular) landscape, and because of the spiritual meaning it has for the locals.
- The cable car: They say it is the world’s longest. The 25-minute journey climbs 1280 m over a distance of 7 km. The ascent is dizzying
- Already at the top of Tianmen Several trails lead to the monastery, panoramic viewpoints and spectacular glass walkways suspended from the cliffs. Even a brief visit takes at least 2–3 hours on foot.
- The Gate of Heaven: a huge natural opening in the mountain, reached from the top of Tianmen by descending a very long ladder. Originally a cave, it collapsed, and its size impressed
- The 99 bends. The return to the village is on the Tianmen buses, along a winding 10 km road with no fewer than 99 bends.
- The Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge
About 30 km from the village, this bridge is an engineering masterpiece spanning a 430 m gap above a cliff that drops almost 300 m. Its transparent glass floor lets you experience the thrill of the height safely. Although the bridge attracts most visitors, the descent to the stream at the bottom of the canyon is even more exciting. Starting at the far end of the bridge, a path with safety rails and stairs follows the cliff face downwards, offering stunning views. The last part runs along the canyon floor past waterfalls and caves, before a boat takes you out. The excursion lasts 3 to 4 hours and requires reasonable fitness: descending the seemingly endless stairs can be tiring.
The jewel in the crown, and the landscape that inspired James Cameron to create the Floating mountains Pandora, from the film Avatar. The sandstone columns covered with vegetation rise vertically, creating a magical landscape. The Park area is extensive, and is divided into different areas:
- Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. The most popular area, home to some of the most scenic spots. Yuanjiajie rises vertically to a broad, flat summit, surrounded by stone pillars and sheer cliffs. Here are the famous formations First bridge and Hallelujah Mt. Also the popular Bailong Elevator which takes us to the top (or lowers us) in just over two minutes.
- Tianzi Mountain. The summit of Tianzi offers some of the park’s finest views. At an altitude of 1,182 m, it is sometimes possible to photograph rocky peaks rising from a sea of clouds: a delight for photography lovers. There is a service area with restaurants (including a McDonald’s), accessible by car. The cable car is a practical way to reach it
- The last area open to tourism and also the most rugged, located in the northwest of the Park. Although the landscape is as spectacular as any of the other areas of the Park, Yangjiajie is much less visited; perhaps because it is more remote or because of the lack of facilities for tourists. The roads and access are also more complicated here.
- Golden Whip Stream. A 7 km river runs beneath steep peaks and dense vegetation. This is one of the best places to see the rock formations from below, on an easy, relaxed walk of a couple of hours.
Many consider that Yangjiajie It is the most impressive area, although its highlights are harder to reach. Others think that Yuanjiajie has more to offer in individual scenic spots (including the famous First Bridge and Hallelujah Mountain). Both areas are magnificent!!!
Guilin
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country, it offers many of the images Western visitors associate with China. The river cruise to Yangshuo is a must, as are the views over limestone mountains, fishermen, buffalo, rice fields… The quintessence of China's landscape.
Longsheng Rice Terraces
About 80 km from Guilin is found Longsheng, the region's main town. This protected area is known for its ethnic minority communities, especially the Yao, and its rice terraces: remarkable feats of traditional engineering built 700 years ago, which give the region its name “the dragon’s backbone”). Although you can visit the villages by vehicle, walking the trails between them is perhaps the best way to discover the area. As well as spectacular scenery, it gives you the chance to meet people going about their daily lives, working in the fields or travelling from place to place.
