Live Your Best Lives
Why climb a mountain? Because the mountain is there. Why hike? Because the path is there.
Because I want to see the pristine natural landscape, because I want to go to a place with few people and beautiful scenery to breathe the fresh air, because I want to make some like-minded friends, because I want to make my life less monotonous, because I want to take off the mask I wear every day and be my true self...
The Wuhan area, after numerous crustal movements, has become a quasi-platform. Its landforms are primarily composed of two types: tectonic erosion and low hills, formed before the recent tectonic movement; and erosion and accumulation, formed during the recent tectonic movement. These topographical features also contribute to the abundance of hiking trails around Wuhan.
If you're in Wuhan, or you've visited the city, and you happen to enjoy hiking, I think we have some topics we can discuss in depth. Here are some of the most popular hiking routes around Wuhan:
Dading Mountain is located northwest of Caijiawan, Beicaidian Subdistrict, Huangpi District, Wuhan City, and northeast of Dading Village, Liuji Town, Dawu County, Xiaogan City. Its main peak rises 464.5 meters and covers a total area of approximately 8 square kilometers. Dading Mountain boasts a towering, steep peak, shrouded in mist year-round. Huge, unusually shaped rocks are exposed on the mountain's surface; the soil is barren, and tall, unshaded pine trees stand tall. Clouds and mist linger in the valleys, creating a picture gallery resembling an ink painting. Dading Mountain is highly acclaimed in the outdoor community for its challenging, challenging, and scenic routes. It is renowned for its treacherous terrain, including a large rock with a slope of approximately 60-70 degrees that requires rope climbing and descent, offering both thrills and excitement.
Dading Mountain is a classic destination for both experienced and novice hikers. It's a prime spot for outdoor hiking. Due to years of weathering, the exposed rock is relatively loose, so be sure to wear non-slip hiking or mountaineering shoes. Never wear leather shoes or high heels for any outdoor activities.
【Timeless Classic】
One of Huangpi's "Three Outdoor Treasures", it is deeply loved by outdoor enthusiasts in Wuhan for its unique climbing fun and appropriate intensity.
【The Road of the Brave】
This is a route that dares to challenge yourself and requires a certain amount of courage, but once you set foot on it, you will fall in love with it.
【Excellent experience】
A climb, a cliff, and a ridge road make this a fun and scenic place.
Tips:
Difficulty index: ★★★
Scenery index: ★★★★
Driving time: about 2.5 hours from Wuhan
Hiking distance: about 6 km
Hiking time: about 5 hours
Driving route: From Wuhan to Huangpi via Loess Highway - Caidian - Dading Village
Hiking conditions: Jungle dirt road + mountaintop stone wall. Some sections require climbing with the help of ropes and hands and feet, which is quite thrilling.
Note: Shoes must be non-slip hiking shoes or mountaineering shoes, and clothes must be outdoor clothing
Longwangjian is the most magnificent stone fortress in Huangpi. Compared to other stone fortresses in the area, it is relatively well-preserved—the lower and middle sections of the fortress walls are largely intact, and most stone houses retain at least half their walls. As a relic of ancient architecture and a product of specific historical conditions, it holds significant value for studying the politics, economy, military, culture, and religion of Wuhan during the Ming and Qing dynasties, particularly during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi periods.
Longwangjian is nestled against Kuangshan Mountain to the north, overlooks Wuhan to the south, and overlooks Mulan Mountain and Mulan Lake to the east. The main peak, Longwangjian, stands at 385.6 meters above sea level and is a remnant of the Dabie Mountains. Longwangjian, a relatively low mountain, is renowned for its extensive meadows and ancient fortresses and castles. In autumn, the golden meadows of Longwangjian stretch across dozens of peaks, creating a scene reminiscent of Wugong Mountain in Jiangxi Province.
Longwangjian, not far from Wuhan, has long been a favorite destination in Wuhan's tourist circles. In spring, Longwangjian is a sea of endless green, while in April, azaleas blanket the mountain, adding a touch of warmth. Autumn is the most celebrated season, with golden meadows blanketing the mountain, creating a sense of being transported to a dreamlike wonderland. Winter, of course, is even more captivating, blanketed in white snow, creating a pure and ethereal experience. The icy, snowy Longwangjian is even more captivating.
Tips:
Difficulty index: ★
Scenery index: ★★★★
Driving time: about 2 hours from Wuhan
Driving route: Wuhan - Liji - Zhenzhuling - Ermen Liwan
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking time: about 4.5 hours
Hiking conditions: Meadow dirt road, relatively easy to walk
Gumen is located in Huangpi District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 75 kilometers from downtown. The Gumen Small Loop Trail traverses the mountain ridge, offering breathtaking views along the way. The mountains are dotted with jagged rocks of various shapes and forms, with large chunks of granite exposed. Through years of wind and water erosion, numerous pictographic rock formations have been formed. Below, reservoirs crisscross the mountains, rippling with emerald waters. The small villages nestled in the mountains are particularly charming. We truly owe a debt of gratitude to nature for leaving Gumen with such unique beauty.
【Ancient Gate Wonders】
The scenery of Gumen can be described as "beautiful water, strange mountains and natural beauty". It has the most unique natural stone scenery in Wuhan.
【Ancient City Wall】
The combination of natural boulders and ancient fortresses, coupled with ancient stories, gives this place a strong historical atmosphere.
【Traveling Through the Mountains】
Crossing the jungle to the boulders, and then walking on the exciting rock wall will challenge your nerves.
Tips:
Difficulty index: ★★
Scenery index: ★★★★
Driving time: about 2.5 hours from Wuhan
Driving route: Wuhan - Huangpi - Loess Highway - Yaoji - Mulan Ancient Road
Hiking distance: about 6 km
Hiking time: about 4.5 hours
Hiking conditions: Jungle dirt road + rocky section
Equipment: Hiking shoes, outdoor clothing (sports shoes and sportswear are also acceptable) (optional) trekking poles, knee pads
Yangshuyan is located near Dading Mountain, a U-shaped mountain range with boulders at the top and a clear reservoir at the bottom. The scenery is expansive and the air is fresh. It offers the charm of Dading Mountain without the crowds, making it a perfect place to enjoy a quiet hike away from the crowds. Bring your family, friends, and delicious food to the mountains for a relaxing getaway. It's a great way to exercise and make new friends. Here, you'll marvel at the ever-changing nature, with its constant challenges and obstacles. But along the way, the unwavering commitment to collaboration, mutual support, and encouragement remains.
【Beautiful scenery】
In addition to the reservoir, there are also grasslands, various unique stones, and golden reeds.
Moderate intensity
The Yangshuyan small loop is of moderate intensity and suitable for hikers of all ages.
【Strengthen your body and mind】
Go out to climb mountains and enjoy the beautiful scenery, so that your body and soul can be refreshed.
Tips:
Difficulty index: ★★
Scenery index: ★★★★
Driving time: about 2.5 hours from Wuhan
Hiking distance: about 5 km
Hiking time: about 4.5 hours
Hiking conditions: The mountain is flat, the first part is gravel road, and the second half is stone road on the ridge
Equipment: Hiking shoes, outdoor clothing (sports shoes and sportswear are also acceptable) (optional) trekking poles, knee pads
Changlingguan Village, Muzidian Town, Macheng City, is located in Macheng City, Hubei Province, and borders Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, and Luotian County, Hubei Province. It lies at the junction of two provinces and three counties. Nestled in the heart of the Dabie Mountains, on the Dabie Mountain watershed, the area encompasses nearly ten square kilometers and embodies the spiritual energy of the Dabie Mountains. With high mountains, dense forests, steep cliffs, chirping birds, fragrant flowers, a multitude of rare animals, and abundant precious forest products, the area boasts breathtaking natural scenery and fascinating cultural heritage. Key attractions include the ruins of an ancient suspension bridge (called "Diaoqiaogou" after an ancient suspension bridge spanning the ravine), waterfalls and springs, grain-drying stones, Monkey King Cave (Zhang Tixue's "refuge"), cliff steps ("Heavenly Ladder"), and the "Guanyin Temple" dating from the Jiaqing period of the Ming Dynasty (completely built of stone, well-preserved and still a popular temple today).
Diaoqiaogou Forest Farm boasts thousands of acres of fir and camellia trees, and tens of thousands of acres of maple and mixed forests. In early winter, the forests are ablaze with crimson, blanketing the mountains. Lush green camellia and fir trees adorn the landscape, while pristine white camellias bloom in full bloom. In spring, azaleas blanket the mountains. Due to long periods of sparse human habitation, the mountains boast a remarkably healthy natural environment, with fully covered vegetation and no pollution. It is a rare "pure land on earth" and a "paradise" in the heart of the Dabie Mountains.
Go to Diaoqiaogou to explore the ruins of the ancient suspension bridge, the drying stone, the Monkey King Cave, the waterfall and spring, and the thousand-acre forest farm. Here you can feel the charm of water, the magic of stone, the tranquility of the pool, and the depth of the valley.
【Excellent location】
Diaoqiaogou is located in the hinterland of Dabie Mountains at the junction of "two provinces and three counties". It is a natural barrier formed by the Yangtze River and Huai River, and is the throat of Wu and Chu.
【Ecologically intact】
Few people have lived here for a long time, and the natural ecology in the mountains is very good without any pollution. It is a rare "pure land on earth" and a "paradise" in the hinterland of Dabie Mountains.
【Beginner Route】
This is an entry-level outdoor hiking route suitable for the general public.
【Hanging pot rice wine】
Taste the unique Macheng hanging pot and warm a pot of the famous Muzidian old rice wine.
Tips:
Difficulty index: ★★
Scenery index: ★★★★
Driving time: about 3 hours from Wuhan
Hiking distance: about 5 km
Hiking time: about 5 hours
Hiking conditions: Flat mountain, mostly dirt roads, some ridge stone roads
Equipment: Hiking shoes, outdoor clothing (sports shoes and sportswear are also acceptable) (optional) trekking poles, knee pads
Cuisongling, located near Dading Mountain at the junction of Huangpi and Dawu, boasts a predominantly pine-covered landscape, creating a uniquely beautiful scene in each season. In autumn and winter, the fallen pine needles create a soft matting, creating a comfortable walk. Occasionally, you'll find unusual rocks resembling giant footprints. While the path may be thorny and slippery, these challenges become a challenge once you truly embark on it. Here, you can fully enjoy the charm of nature, breathe pure air, exercise, and make friends.
Along the circular route, you will first pass a reservoir with beautiful scenery, then go up along the left side of the reservoir. The road is loose and soft, and then turn right into a jungle. Be careful of some thorny branches to avoid scratching yourself. After 10 minutes, you will see another reservoir on the mountainside, with an altitude of more than 300 meters.
【Winding Path Leads to a Secluded Place】
The mountains are covered with pine trees and pine needles, and the forest roads are like being in a movie.
Moderate intensity
The small loop is of moderate intensity and suitable for hikers of all ages.
【Strengthen your body and mind】
Go out to climb mountains and enjoy the beautiful scenery, so that your body and soul can be refreshed.
Tips:
Difficulty index: ★★★
Scenery index: ★★★★
Driving time: about 3 hours from Wuhan
Hiking distance: about 7 km
Hiking time: about 5.5 hours
Hiking conditions: Country roads, hillside dirt roads, and ridge stone roads
Equipment: non-slip hiking shoes, hiking shoes, (optional) hiking poles, knee pads
Why climb mountains? Because they are there.
Why hike? Because the trail is there.
I hope everyone can do this, go out for a walk when you have nothing to do, see the pure natural scenery, go to places with few people and beautiful scenery to breathe fresh air, make some like-minded friends, make your life less monotonous, and be your true self.
