Where can you go this season to free your soul, dragged down by the four corners of the house? Go hiking and measure the autumn with your footsteps. Discover more beauty along the way~
Today, we recommend eight hiking routes in East China that are perfect for light-packing adventures. If you can't stay home during this beautiful autumn, get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There's always a trail that's perfect for you!
The Huihang Ancient Trail is gaining popularity, becoming a classic route for outdoor travel in the Jiangnan region. Hiking enthusiasts have rated it one of China's top ten ancient hiking trails and the top hiking route in East China. Starting in Fuling Town, Jixi County, Huizhou City, Anhui Province, and ending in Maxiao Township, Lin'an City, Zhejiang Province, it lies north of the Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, bordered by Huangshan Mountain to the north and Tianmu Mountain to the south. The 15-kilometer route served as a crucial link between Huizhou and Hangzhou in ancient times. The most well-preserved section is the winding stone steps within Jixi County.
[Activity Intensity] ★★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty] ★★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
【Scenery Index】★★★
Total journey: about 20 kilometers, 6.5-7 hours
Route: Yuchuan, Jixi → Entrance of Huihang Ancient Trail → First Pass of Jiangnan (424 meters above sea level) → Dam → Huangmaopei Village → Qingliangfeng Bridge → Xiaxuetang → Lantianao (camping, photography) → Xiaoxi Fork → Yonglai Village → Exit of Huihang Ancient Trail
Tips:
Hiking duration 6 hours
[Recommended Activities] Camping experience, admiring azaleas in spring, watching the bright moon in summer, observing the yellow leaves in autumn, and seeing the first snow in winter
[Attractions] Jiangnan First Pass, Nantianao, Shicha Pavilion, Xiaxuetang, Xiaoyao Valley
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
There has always been a saying in the outdoor world that "Wugong Mountain in the South and Taibai Mountain in the North". Wugong Mountain and Taibai Mountain in Qinling Mountains are known as the two major famous hiking mountains in the north and south of my country. The total hiking distance is 21 kilometers.
Wugong Mountain is famous for its waterfalls, alpine meadows, and golden-top ancient altars. It is known as the "grassland in the clouds, outdoor paradise". 100,000 acres of meadows stretch to the top of a mountain over 1,600 meters high. It is green in spring and summer, golden in autumn, and white in winter.
From September to October, there is a grand tent festival in mid-September. The mountains are covered with maple leaves, and the meadows are dyed into a golden color by the autumn colors, which is particularly dazzling.
[Activity Intensity] ★★★★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty] ★★★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium difficulty)
【Scenery Index】★★★★
Full trip: 2 days can be arranged, camping is available at the Golden Summit
Route: D1 Pingxiang → Shenzi Village → Jiulong Mountain → Jinding; D2 Jinding → Baiyun Inn → Fayunjie → Qinglongshan Village → Pingxiang
Tips:
No entrance fee is required for hiking in Wugong Mountain, and you can bring your own tent for camping
If you feel that the whole hike is too tiring, you can choose to take the cable car.
Cableway operation hours: 8:00-17:00
Pingxiang Level 1 Cableway: 65 yuan for the ascent and 55 yuan for the descent
Pingxiang Secondary Cableway: RMB 45 for the up and RMB 35 for the down
Santianmen Cableway: 45 yuan for the uphill trip and 35 yuan for the downhill trip
Yangsimu Cableway: 80 yuan for the uphill journey and 70 yuan for the downhill journey

Depart from Pingxiang | 2~3 days
Travel Light · Wugong Mountain | Hiking and Outdoor Meadows
Starting from ¥380 30629 people have registered Register nowThe Huangnan Ancient Road is located at the junction of Linhai City and Tiantai County in Zhejiang Province. Maple trees are planted along the ancient road. It is one of the best-preserved maple leaf ancient roads in China and has been listed as one of the eight major maple viewing bases in the country, on par with Xiangshan.
Huangnan Ancient Road is a unique tourist route among the Jiangnan Ancient Roads, with red maples, merchants, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other cultures and landscapes as its biggest highlights, and it contains endless cultural heritage to be developed.
[Activity Intensity] ★★★ (Five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty] ★★ (Five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
【Scenery Index】★★★★
Total journey: about 12 kilometers, about 5-6 hours
Route: Qianyang Village → Jigong Temple on the top of the mountain (picnic) → foot of Huangtan Ridge → Dafan Village → Qianyang Village
Zhinan Village is located at the foot of Tianmu Mountain in the east of Lin'an, on the bank of Nanshaoxi River, the source of Taihu Lake. It is close to Shenlongchuan, Taihu Source, and Tianhuangping. It is an ancient village with a history of thousands of years.
The village boasts over 93% forest coverage. Behind the village stand over 200 towering ancient trees, including rare species like Liquidambar, Ginkgo, Cryptomeria, and Castanea, the oldest of which is over 900 years old. This isn't just a great summer escape; in late autumn, the golden ginkgo trees and fiery red maple trees create one of the most beautiful autumn viewing spots in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, a favorite among photography enthusiasts.
[Activity Intensity] ★★☆ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty] ★☆ (Five stars is the highest, three stars is medium difficulty)
【Scenery Index】★★★★
Route: Hengdu Village → Tangding Village → Zhinan Village → Pochaiwu

Depart from Hangzhou丨1 day
Autumn Classics · Zhinan Village | Hike the Linchuan Ancient Trail and enjoy the vibrant autumn colors for an extended period
¥140 from 5399 people have registered Register nowGongyuyan Scenic Area is located in the east-central part of Xianju Scenic Area, covering an area of 31 square kilometers. It is one of the key scenic spots in Xianju Scenic Area and is known as the "Shangri-La" of East China.
Gongyu Village is divided into Shangping Village and Xiaping Village. Both are small villages located on a mountain 600 meters above sea level and are surrounded by strange peaks over 1,000 meters high.
Most visitors come here for hiking and camping. To reach Gongyu Village, you first need to climb a mountain road, then go down the mountain to reach the village. There are simple farmhouses in the village that provide accommodation and simple meals. The local farmhouse dishes are very delicious.
[Activity Intensity] ★★★ (Five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty] ★★★ (Five stars is the highest, three stars is medium difficulty)
【Scenery Index】★★★★
Full distance: 22 kilometers, completed in 2 days
Route: Qiankeng Village → Gongyu Village (camping allowed) → Linkeng Village
Depart from Shanghai | 2 days and 1 night
Final Chapter Secret Realm · Xianju Gongyu|See the mountains, rivers, and sea of clouds, and explore the secrets of the primitive ancient village
Starting from ¥390 7081 people have registered Register nowTachuan Village, also known as Tashang, is located on the way from Hongcun, a famous tourist attraction in Yi County's Peach Blossom Spring, to Mukeng Bamboo Sea. It is only 2 kilometers away from Hongcun. It is a unique and charming mountain village among the many beautiful and rich natural villages in Yi County's Peach Blossom Spring.
In Tachuan, between the Gao'an and Di'an peaks (named after the Xilin Temple Zen Temple on the top of the peak), a clear stream breaks through the ground, flows down the mountain, passes through the village, and goes straight to the scenic Qishu Lake.
The autumn scenery of Tachuan is a popular destination for many painters and photographers. A stroll through the village allows you to experience the simple and innocent life of the mountain villagers while enjoying breathtaking views such as "Stream Circling the House," "Orioles Singing in Bamboo Mountain," and "Takamawa Cave Heaven."
[Activity Intensity]★ (five stars are the highest, three stars are medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty]★ (five stars are the highest, three stars are medium intensity)
【Scenery Index】★★★★★
Route: Rucun → Tachuan → Hongcun → Xieli
Muli Village boasts an excellent ecological environment, nestled on a mountain ridge, suspended on three sides. With a strong Hui culture, it is known as "Huangshan's most beautiful alpine village." Looking across from the front mountain, one can see the entire village, a truly picturesque sight, especially after rain, when a sea of clouds can be seen, creating a fairyland-like experience.
[Activity Intensity]★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty]★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
【Scenery Index】★★★★☆
Route: Zuyuan→Mulikeng→Tunxi Old Street


Depart from Nanjing | 2 days and 1 night
Cloud Village · Muli Village | A Secret Place in Southern Anhui, a 2-Day Outdoor Adventure
¥530 from 619 people have registered Register nowThe Wuyue Ancient Road dates back to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and marked the border between the Wuyue Kingdom and the Southern Tang Kingdom (present-day Ningguo, Anhui). Paved with bluestone slabs, the well-preserved trail stretches approximately 12 kilometers.
The entrance to Lin'an, Zhejiang is Zhelin Village, and the entrance to Ningguo, Anhui is Data Village, Wanjiaxiang. The entire ancient road is lined with streams, with green trees and splashing springs along the way. It is a suitable hiking route all year round.

[Activity Intensity] ★★★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
[Activity Difficulty] ★★★ (five stars is the highest, three stars is medium intensity)
【Scenery Index】★★★
Route: Ningguo → Huangshiyan Waterfalls → Wuyue Ancient Road → Tianchi Lake in Western Zhejiang → Tianlong Grand Canyon




Tips:
The hiking route can be from Zhejiang West Tianchi → Wanjiaxiang Datang Village, or from Wanjiaxiang Datang Village → Zhejiang West Tianchi.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Hiking is not only about exercising your body, but also about letting your heart return to nature. It allows you to walk in the most primitive way, see the purest nature, and feel the warmth of nature while hiking in the mountains. So, have you decided where to go hiking this autumn?
The pictures and text in this article are all taken from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact the author @虾尾