Qitian 11 | 2020-04-22 | 23100

How long has it been since you returned to nature? Recommended beautiful outdoor camping spots in China

Preface

In less than a decade, when you experience a cutting-edge virtual reality display, your eyes will be fooled into thinking you are looking at the real world through a real window.

The clicking of the mouse and keyboard replaced the chirping of crickets in the Sanwei Book House in Baicao Garden, and the heavy music and strong sound effects produced by electronic products replaced the endless buzzing of cicadas in the hot summer.

Have you ever woken up to the melodious chirping of birds? Stepping out of your tent, disheveled, the warm, soft breeze of early spring in the valley brings the fragrance of earth and the scent of new buds to you.

Have you ever felt the soft, wet soil of a river valley? Have you ever felt the tingling sensation of cool, clear water running down your cheek?

What are all the delicacies from the mountains and the sea? Have you ever tasted white rice cooked with clear mountain spring water?

What are the iron walls of modern architecture! Have you ever been protected by the towering snow-capped mountains?

We have been away from the real world for too long. It is time to clear away the fog in front of us, carry our tents and cooking utensils, and return to where we started.

Wusun Ancient Road • Paradise Lake Campground

The Wusun Ancient Road is the road from the ancient Wusun Kingdom to the ancient Kucha Kingdom. It runs through the Tianshan Mountains from southern Xinjiang to northern Xinjiang. Along the way, you will encounter countless majestic peaks. They stand silently, just like thousands of years ago, watching the occasional passers-by.

Many people hike the Wusun Ancient Trail just to camp overnight at the Paradise Lake Campground and witness its enchanting beauty. On clear days, the lake's waters are a gentle jade-blue; when clouds obscure the sky, they transform into a deep, dark blue, reflecting the surrounding mountains and greenery. It's a beauty beyond words, and you have to see it in person to truly experience its awe.

During the regular crossing route, you will camp at the Paradise Lake Campground to feel the tranquility and splendor of Paradise Lake in the early morning. The first ray of sunlight is reflected on the peak of the snow-capped mountain, and against the backdrop of the majestic blue lake, it looks like a fairyland. Faced with this scene, you dare not speak loudly for fear of disturbing the tranquility of this fairyland.


Mount Everest East Slope • Tsokshul Rinma Camp

The entire trekking route on the east slope of Mount Everest is within the Mount Everest Nature Reserve. The scenery is stunning and there are many rare wild animals and plants. At the same time, you can enjoy the views of Mount Everest (the world's first), Mount Lhotse (the world's fourth), and Mount Makalu (the world's fifth).

Melting water from the snow-capped mountains in this area has formed numerous lakes, allowing visitors to admire the breathtaking beauty of the snow-capped mountains up close on clear days. The route is rarely visited, boasting a pristine ecology and abundant water resources. Rare flora and fauna are occasionally spotted, and the dotted alpine lakes, like gemstones, combined with the deep valleys of the Gama Valley, create a truly captivating scenery.

The Coren Xuema Camp is the highest camp on this trip, with an altitude of 4,900 meters. There are five lakes of various sizes here, which is an excellent place to photograph the reflections of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Makalu and Mount Qomolangma.

Depart from Lhasa | 12 days and 11 nights

Mount Everest East Slope, Gama Valley | 12-Day Snow Mountain Feast Grand Loop

¥11800 from 72 people have registered Register now

Kulagangri • Jiejiucuo Camp

Kulagangri, located in Lhozhag County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, is known as one of the "Four Sacred Mountains" of central Tibet. Standing 7,538 meters above sea level, it towers over the main ridgeline of the central Himalayas. The entire snow-capped mountain range consists of three peaks. Kulagangri is flanked by six peaks over 7,000 meters. From afar, the peaks stand side by side, resembling a towering barrier of ice and snow.

Hidden here is a beautiful campsite - Jiejiucuo Campsite. Jiejiucuo Campsite is located on the ridge to the left of Jiejiucuo. It is a large flat grassland where herders may graze their livestock. It is an excellent location for viewing the Kulagangri Snow Mountain Group.

Jiejiucuo Lake is a lake formed by three connected lakes. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the white snow-capped mountains. Kulagangri Peak peeks out from the mist, its majestic appearance in full bloom. During blooming season, you'll also see vast expanses of alpine rhododendrons, a dazzling display like fireworks.

Depart from Lhasa | 6 days and 5 nights

6-Day Kulagangri Circumambulation | 30km Light Hiking to the Holy Mountains and Lakes

¥3780 from 829 people have registered Register now

Gongga Lengka Co Camp

Mount Gongga, the lone king of the snowy land, is the world's easternmost 7,000-meter peak. Its unique location sets it apart from other renowned peaks. Mount Gongga is known as the King of Sichuan Mountains, not only for its 7,556-meter elevation, making it the highest peak in Sichuan Province, but also for its unique geographical location. While most of the world's other 7,000-meter-high peaks are concentrated in the Pamir and Qinghai-Tibet Plateaus, the roof of the world, Mount Gongga lies thousands of miles away in western Sichuan. This unique location makes it the easternmost of the world's 7,000-meter peaks.

Lenggacuo is one of the few lakes closest to the sacred Mount Gongga. It is located in the southwest of Gongga, the king of Shu Mountains. It is like a tear of Gongga, shining like a diamond under the sacred mountain.

Lenggacuo Camp faces Gongga Snow Mountain directly, and the lake is extremely clear. From here you can see the towering "pyramid"-shaped main peak of Gongga, the king of Shu Mountains, and its clear reflection. Viewing Gongga from here is more majestic than viewing it from Zimei Pass and more spectacular than viewing it from Yaha Pass.

Shishapangma Gongcuo Camp

Shishapangma, at 8,027 meters, ranks 14th among the world's 14 8,000-meter peaks. It is also the only 8,000-meter peak located entirely within China. Comprising three sister peaks of similar elevation, it is one of the centers of modern glaciation in the Himalayas. The seracs, stretching from 5,000 to 5,800 meters above sea level, stretch for thousands of meters, creating a bizarre landscape resembling an "ice crystal garden." This landscape is also crisscrossed by crevasses and occasional massive ice avalanches. Tibetans have numerous myths and ballads praising this sacred mountain as an auspicious and sacred place.

The most important thing you cannot miss this time is the Dongpo Gongcuo Camp. If time permits, it is worth staying here for more than two days, because you can take pictures of the reflections of the Xifeng Mountains and watch Shishapangma.

Gongcuo is an erosion valley lake and is not affected by glacial meltwater. Remote sensing images show that its lake area has remained basically unchanged in the past 20 years. The deep blue lake water and perfect reflections make it the best spot to watch the sunrise and sunset of the Shishapangma peaks, just like Coxue Rinma on the east slope of Mount Everest.


Long Chuanbi Wooden Mule Camp

Entering from Changpinggou and exiting from Bipenggou, the route connects these two scenic spots, creating the Changpinggou-Bipenggou route, often referred to as "Changchuanbi." This route is also known among outdoor enthusiasts as "The Kiss of Sigla - Crossing the Eastern Alps." The Changchuanbi route ranks sixth among China's hiking routes, and some say, "If you haven't been to the Alps, you must hike the Changchuanbi." Walking at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, the most breathtaking sights are the snow-capped peaks to your sides, the grasslands beneath your feet, and the alpine lakes before your eyes. Experience the charm of the "Eastern Alps."

Located at the northern foot of Mount Siguniang in Rilong Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Muluzi Campground is a vast lawn at an altitude of 3,760 meters. It serves as the final viewing point in Changpinggou. This broad, flat lawn boasts the richest flora in the scenic area, making it ideal for horseback riding, flower viewing, and camping.

The alpine meadows and marshes within the Mumulizi Campground are surrounded by alpine dark coniferous forests dominated by Sichuan redwoods, creating a spectacular botanical landscape. Plants unique to the plateau, such as the genus Saussurea, the snow lotus, the rhodiola rosea, and the genus Rhodiola, grow here. Rare and endemic high-altitude animals can also be seen, including blue sheep, snow leopards, Himalayan marmots, blue robin, alpine collared sparrow, and some large birds of prey.

Yading Mountain Circumambulation and Snake Lake Camp

The Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is located in Yading Village, Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It primarily comprises the three sacred mountains of Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji, and the surrounding rivers, lakes, and alpine meadows. Its scenery retains a pristine quality rarely seen on Earth. Due to its unique landforms and pristine natural beauty, it is known as the "Soul of Shangri-La" and the "Last Shangri-La." Internationally, it is hailed as "the last pure land on the azure planet." The azure sky frames the snow-capped mountains, lakes, and villages, creating a scene of tranquility.

Snake Lake, a breathtakingly beautiful alpine lake, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Its elongated shape resembles a long snake, hence its name. The light wasn't bright when we arrived, but it still couldn't mask its emerald-like beauty. Such a beautiful lake, like a hidden, quiet beauty hidden in the mountains. Perhaps the only people who truly appreciate its beauty are the herders at the nearby Xiadu cattle ranch.

Snake Lake Campground is situated on a high point near the lake. The beauty of Snake Lake is already stunning, but even more so is the Yangmaiyong, nestled beside it. Watching the majestic Yangmaiyong, enveloped in golden light, its massive waist, glaciers, boulders, and vast expanse, is truly spectacular. A few chestnut horses playfully chased each other across the grasslands. Life is short of moments like these. Someone would say this place is a fairyland.

Depart from Lijiang | 9 days and 8 nights

9-Day Yading Pilgrimage | Pilgrimage to the Three Sacred Mountains of Yading, Highland Adventure

¥7999 Starting from 39 people have registered Register now

Conclusion

Camping is the most direct and simple way to return to and explore nature. Choose this way that best integrates you into the universe, live in harmony with nature, and gain new experiences and feelings.

Have you ever visited one of these stunning campsites? Of course, beyond the recommendations above, there are countless other hidden gems worth exploring. Scan the QR code to add our "tourists" page and explore nature with a group of outdoor enthusiasts!

This Saturday, Xiao Xuanfeng is taking a group of friends to Qingliang Peak for a camping trip! Will you join us next time?