Live Your Best Lives
Yesterday, a sudden trending search about snow in Altay, Xinjiang, left Xiaoxia a little overwhelmed (shivering in the 41°C temperature in Hangzhou).
It turns out that autumn has already arrived in most cities in northern my country, with the exception of Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Sichuan, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Changsha. The transition between summer and autumn brings a pleasantly warm and mild temperature, making it a perfect time for hiking.
It's a good thing this Mid-Autumn Festival doesn't require overtime or a severance payout. With three days of holiday (or two days of severance pay or annual leave), you can have fun! I've compiled some easy hiking itineraries across China for three days or more, perfect for a Mid-Autumn Festival getaway. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's something for you! Finally escaping the summer heat, are you ready for a fulfilling and fun Mid-Autumn Festival holiday?
Departure Place: Pingxiang, Jiangxi
This is a grassland, a sea of clouds, and a green gem that has fallen into the world.
Wugong Mountain encompasses the unique alpine grassland scenery at the same latitude in the world. It has different stunning scenery throughout the year and is worth your trip.
This place is known as "the grassland feast of the south and the paradise on earth in the world", with meadows of wild flowers, rolling sea of clouds and mist passing over the mountains.
Wugong Mountain, with an average elevation of over 1,600 meters, boasts 100,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of alpine meadows. Stretching across the peaks, the meadows pierce through the clouds and mist, leaving the pristine sky a backdrop of rolling hills. The lush greenery is truly breathtaking!
Wugong in the south and Taibai in the north offer a variety of routes for you to choose from, from the most beginner to the most advanced outdoor enthusiasts. It is the "East China Outdoor Holy Land" coveted by countless people.
Come to Wugong Mountain and feel the ritual of measuring the land with your footsteps, and the sense of conquest when looking back at your journey.
Departure Place: Enshi
Enshi is known as the "Cool Capital of the World". Come and explore it during the Mid-Autumn Festival at the end of summer.
Hike Luyuanping and discover a pristine paradise. Experience the sudden enlightenment of "one mountain, one world, one leaf, one bodhi tree," and admire the beauty of the full moon in a mountainous area free of light pollution.
Experience the majesty of the "Three Caves Connected by Two Sunshine Pit" on this hidden gem of a hike along the ancient Qingjiang River. Roll wildly across the canyon's vast lawns, creating your own unique style.
Go to Pingshan Canyon to see the legendary Glass Sea. Looking up, you see the sky; looking down, you see the water. It feels like you have arrived in a fairyland where the sky and water merge into one. Sailing on the sea, you can hear the sparkling waves.
Go to Enshi Grand Canyon to see the magic of the Earth Fissure Canyon, shout into the abyss, and feel the freshness.
Hike to Enshi, go to the coolness, avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, purify your soul, even a novice can easily hit the road!
Departure Place: Guangzhou
The Longji Rice Terraces began to be built in the Yuan Dynasty. The Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities living here have built ridges and opened fields for generations. From the fast-flowing valleys to the misty peaks, from the edge of the forest to the cliffs, wherever there is soil, terraces have been dug.
Picture @Photo.net
Because they are built on the mountain and adapted to local conditions, the largest of these terraces is no more than one acre, and the smallest can only plant two or three rows of rice seedlings. They are commonly known as "a frog jumps over three fields."
Over more than a thousand years, through the efforts of countless generations, the Longji Rice Terraces have reached perfection. Winding from the foot of the mountain all the way to the summit, they form a magnificent landscape where "small hills resemble snails, and large hills form towers," which is what we see today as the world's most magnificent terraced fields.
Picture @Photo.net
We took the classic Longji hiking route from Dazhai to Ping'an Village, enjoying a relaxing stroll through the terraced fields. We watched the sunrise over the terraced fields and stayed in a local inn to experience the authentic Yao ethnic life.
Departure Place: Zhengzhou
The Taihang Mountains are a place of high mountains and steep ridges, deep canyons, and many sections have fault rock walls that are 1,000 meters high. Therefore, it is magnificent, with peaks, ridges, terraces, walls, gorges, waterfalls, ridges, and springs in various shapes and forms.
Compared with the loess and desolation in other parts of Taihang Mountains, South Taihang is like God's favorite. Thanks to abundant rainfall, South Taihang has dense forests and vitality, and is more vibrant.
Because of this, China National Geographic said that "Taihang Mountains has given the most beautiful section to the southern Taihang Mountains."
Picture @Photo.net
The southern Taihang Mountains are characterized by towering cliffs thousands of feet high, with peaks upon peaks, and a different scenery at every step. It offers both the majestic grandeur of the northern mountain ranges and the graceful beauty of the southern mountain ranges with their lush vegetation and overlapping layers of brocade.
Many of the strange, dangerous, beautiful and secluded scenery are difficult to reach by car. The unique geographical features make this place a paradise for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. It is known as a must-take outdoor hiking route in a lifetime.
Departure Place: Lu'an, Anhui
The main part of the Dabie Mountains is about 1,500 meters above sea level, with the highest peak, Baimajian, at 1,777 meters. It is the watershed between the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River.
Line 3 of Dabie Mountain passes through Langya Valley, which is 9 kilometers long. It is named Langya Valley because the two mountain ranges have 20 bends that intersect and surround each other, like the upper and lower teeth of a wolf, forming a magnificent canyon.
This Dabie Mountains adventure focuses on three different hiking routes, showcasing the typical Dabie Mountains topography and allowing you to fully experience the unique characteristics of the region. Enjoy water play, hiking, and waterfall viewing for a refreshing mountain escape.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, we have specially prepared a Mid-Autumn Festival Gala for everyone to enjoy the bright moon, taste delicious food, play games, set off fireworks, and share the joyful reunion night of Mid-Autumn Festival!
Departure Place: Chengdu
The snow-capped mountains have given birth to primeval forests that nestle around the mountains and rivers, and also nourish the fairy-like beauty in the isolated valleys.
We crossed mountains and ridges, and at the foot of the snow-capped mountains in western Sichuan, we searched for the unique views of several sacred mountains in western Sichuan, such as Gongga, Yala, and Moldo.
Walking into the Zhonglu Tibetan village in the former site of the Dongnu Kingdom, you will see wild flowers blooming all over the mountains and valleys.
Come to the vast grasslands of Tagong, walk into the Rhododendron Valley under the Yala Snow Mountain, uncover the secret passage of the Eastern Women's Kingdom, cross the Yala Snow Mountain Canyon, and explore the origins of Honghaizi and Mugecuo.
Departure Place: Chengdu
Gongga, the king of Shu Mountains, rises from the ground in Shu, with an absolute drop of 6,000 meters between the foot of the mountain and the top.
Tropical fields, mountain virgin forests, spectacular cloud waterfalls, permafrost deserts, marine glaciers, rare plants, alpine meadows, flower valleys...you can see most of the scenery on Earth here.
Some people say that Gongga Mountain spans the fairyland and the human world, "half in the sky and half on earth", towering majestically during the day and shining with stars at night.
Picture @Photo.net
Mount Gongga is also a world-renowned alpine adventure destination. From different locations, you can see the different walls and ridges of Mount Gongga, and the landscape is extremely rich.
This itinerary connects several major Gongga viewing platforms, allowing you to witness the majestic grandeur of the King of Shu Mountains through hiking.
Departure Place: Chengdu
At the foot of Mount Siguniang, high mountains, valleys, and lakes are scattered across the landscape. Along the majestic slopes of the Qionglai Mountains, Changpinggou, Haizigou, and Bipenggou are lined up in sequence, interspersed among the towering mountains.
The route from Changpinggou all the way to Panyang Lake in Bipenggou is one of the most classic hiking routes in China, known as Changchuanbi.
The approximately 40-kilometer-long route through Bipenggou has a first section at the foot of Yaomei Peak, a middle section beneath snow-capped peaks such as Yangmantai and Luotuo Peak, and a final section crossing the Chazigou Pass into Bipenggou. The scenery changes at every step, and the charm of the "Chinese Alps" is in full view.
If Wugong Mountain is the ideal starting point for a hiking career, then Changkuobi must be the ideal starting point for hiking from the plains to the plateau.
Travel light all the way, with professional horse caravans transporting equipment, China-TravelNote's professional logistics team, and a full range of outdoor equipment to escort you throughout the journey.
Departure Place: Taiyuan, Shanxi
Mount Wutai in Shanxi Province, known as China's version of the Camino de Santiago, has become a sacred place for hikers thanks to its majestic mountain scenery, cool climate, and important Buddhist significance.
"Half Buddha Land, Half Mountain" is a journey of spiritual and physical cleansing.
Mount Wutai, the highest peak in North China, reaches a peak elevation of 3,061.1 meters and is known as the Roof of North China. As you traverse the foothills, towering spruce and pine trees take center stage. White pagodas, clever foxes, and herds of cattle and horses create the most breathtaking scenery along the hike.
The sunrise and sunset, the shining stars, all the beautiful things gather here. Every hiker who comes here will find the tranquility and peace in his heart.
Every year, countless outdoor enthusiasts come to Mount Wutai to worship the peak, because this is a way to return to nature. They love the outdoors and nature, and this is both the end and the starting point!
Departure Place: Xi'an
"Wugong in the south, Taibai in the north", Taibai Mountain is the highest peak east of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Sunny days, heavy fog, rain, ice and snow, a trip to Taibai Mountain can allow you to experience all four seasons.
Entering the Qinling Mountains is like stepping into a dream. Rivers are shrouded in mist, distant mountains are shrouded in clouds, and alpine meadows and seas of flowers dot the mountaintops. Acres of azaleas bloom in vibrant colors. In the evening, on a fine day, a perfect sunset will leave you marveling at the beauty of nature.
Mount Taibai, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, boasts four alpine lakes and vast glacial remains. At night, the sky is filled with a dazzling, twinkling starry sky, creating a sense of oneness with the world.
Departure Place: Chifeng
In September, the Ulan Butong Bashang Grassland is awash in autumn colors, with crimson leaves blanketing the hills and layers of lush green forests. Golden birch trees line the meadows, galloping horses and flocks of sheep scattered like pearls, creating a vibrant canvas of rich ink and light colors.
Picture @Photo.net
In autumn, hike the Bashang Grasslands and experience the warmest Mongolian welcome, attend a grand evening of song and dance, and savor the most distinctive Mongolian cuisine. We'll journey deep into the heart of the grasslands, measuring its boundless grandeur and experiencing the tranquility of "the wind blowing the grass low and revealing the cattle and sheep."
Above picture @photo.net
Touch the civilization on the grass tips, admire the brilliant starry sky, hike on grasslands and sandy lands, cross rivers and forests, and give yourself to nature.
Team members do not need to reload during the entire trip. We arrange support vehicles to deliver equipment supplies and rich local food.
At the end of the hike, an exclusive grassland hiking medal will be awarded, bringing full honor and allowing every hiker to walk through the grassland and meet a better self.
Departure Place: Yinchuan
People seem to have an inexplicable affection for the desert. I wonder how many people, after reading "The Story of the Sahara," exclaimed, "The desert is only for free souls!" How many people have longed for the desert?
As China's fourth-largest desert, the Tengger Desert boasts not only magnificent landscapes but also countless lakes scattered throughout. Its convenient transportation and moderately difficult dunes have made it a favorite destination for hikers in recent years.
This September, follow China-TravelNote, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and spend a few days without signal in Tengger.
This time, we'll arrange a classic hiking route, traversing the five lakes of Tengger. The entire route is 50km, with a difficulty level of 4 stars (of a total of 7, with 4 stars being moderate). With a professional logistics team and a well-balanced diet, every day of the trip will be filled with energy.
Top outdoor coaches will accompany you throughout the entire process, and you will receive a three-day face-to-face professional hiking advanced course, as well as a bonfire party, commemorative medals, and a celebration banquet, with every sense of ceremony.
Departure Place: Lijiang
Yubeng, a distant yet familiar name, is a small village sheltered by the Meili Snow Mountain. With its unparalleled scenery, it is regarded as a domestic outdoor hiking holy land.
Each season in Yubeng offers its own unique charm, but my favorite is autumn. Having just bid farewell to the damp rainy season, the autumn hasn't yet ushered in the desolate landscape. The shimmering golden mountain, the vibrant hillside forests, and the crisp, clean air of the plateau make Yubeng's autumn scenery its most captivating.
Today, Yubeng boasts comprehensive hydropower and convenient access, but this hasn't diminished its inherent beauty. Instead, it has enhanced its earthy charm. The simple villagers we encounter and the strangers we meet along the way are all likely to become cherished memories in our lives.
The 55-kilometer hiking route is not just a hike, but also a freedom that bursts out from the depths of your soul.
Have you been cooped up in an air-conditioned room all summer, missing out on a chance to truly experience nature? Take advantage of the clear skies and crisp air of early autumn and consider using your vacation time for a fulfilling and enjoyable trip.
