Hiking Enchanted China

rrive at Guiyang railway station and transfer into the city. Begin at Qingling Mountain, where monkeys move freely along shaded paths, then continue to the nearby Confucian Temple for insight into local traditions. Drive beyond the city for lunch before exploring Qingyan Ancient Town, a fortified settlement with more than 600 years of history and preserved stone streets. In the late afternoon, continue to Raorao Buyi Village. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Guiyang to rest or explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, depart Raorao Village and travel through the mountains of southeastern Guizhou toward Leishan. This trip takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and passes through regions shaped by Miao cultural heritage. Stop in Paika Village, known for traditional lusheng pipe making, where music often carries through the valley. Visit a local pottery studio and try hands-on techniques before continuing to Kaili in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Kaili to rest or explore at your leisure.

Start the day with a drive east of Kaili to Mt. Leigong, the highest peak in the region and part of the Miaoling Mountains National Nature Reserve, known for its rich wildlife and abundant plant life. Begin a moderate 3–4 hour downhill hike from the summit to Xiangshuiyan Waterfall, the source of the Bala River. Pass through terraced rice fields and Baiyan Village, then continue along Baiyan Gorge before returning to the hotel in Kaili.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, moderate hike.

Begin the day in Datang Short Skirt Miao Village, where rice barns are built over water to keep mice away, and local women wear long hair to support traditional headdresses. Hike about 2 to 3 hours through rice terraces and mountain paths, gaining a panoramic view of Mt. Leigong from the previous day’s hike. Arrive at Taojiang Village and, time permitting, visit the Leishan Embroidery Museum to see intricate local craftsmanship. Spend the evening exploring village life or relaxing at the hotel in Kaili.

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours, moderate to difficult hiking with up and downhills.

After breakfast, drive approximately 3 hours to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, a riverside settlement historically shaped by water trade with Hunan, leaving a Han cultural influence visible in its old lanes, shrines, and courtyards. After lunch, visit Qinglong Cave Temple, a unique 500-year-old cliffside complex blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. From the cave, enjoy a sweeping view of the ancient town below. Return to the town center with the evening open to explore local streets or relax by the riverside at the hotel.

This morning drive a little over 2 hours to Jiangkou and the Fanjingshan Nature Reserve. Our destination today is Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve. Fanjingshan is the highest peak of Wuling Mountain Range, which stretches from Guizhou and Chongqing in the west to the Hunan and Hubei provinces in the east. Fanjingshan has a rare and diverse subtropical ecosystem with over 2,600 species, including the golden monkey. Start with a hike* along the Taiping River and gradually ascend to the scenic area at the top, passing waterfalls, forest, streams, and villages. After some time to enjoy the impressive views, take the cable car back down the mountain and drive back to Jiangkou for the evening.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, moderate to difficult on mostly flat trail with some uphill.

*A cable car ride up the mountain can be arranged for an additional cost.

After breakfast, reach Fenghuang Ancient Town, a historic mountain settlement known for its Han cultural influence and famous local artists. Meet the Zhangjiajie guide as the Guizhou guide departs. Check into the hotel and walk the town’s streets, cross its bridges, and pass stilt houses that reflect traditional Chinese architecture. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.

Spend the morning traveling about 4 hours to Zhangjiajie before heading to Tianmenshan National Forest Park. Explore the famous Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest naturally occurring karst cave, known for its dramatic cliff-side opening. Ride the 4-mile cable car, the longest in the world, to the mountain summit and take in expansive views. Walk along the cliffside glass walkway, suspended nearly a mile above the ground, for an exhilarating perspective of the surrounding forest.

Today, take the cable car up to Huangshizhai Village for panoramic views over Zhangjiajie. Hike among the main scenic spots, including Treasure Box of Heavenly Books, Magic Sea-Suppressing Needle, South Pillar of Heaven, Golden Tortoise Watching the Sea, Six Wonder Pavilion, and Star Gathering Stage. After lunch, follow the Golden Whip Stream, named for the striking Golden Whip Rock, through lush cliffs and verdant forests teeming with plant and wildlife. The trail winds past flowers, trees, and grasses, creating a serene landscape for exploration.

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, moderate with uphill and downhill.

Begin with a hike at Tianzi Mountain to see towering peaks and sweeping views from multiple vantage points, including Marshel He Long Park, West Sea, and Imperial Pen Peak. In the afternoon, take a 40-minute shuttle to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, whose dramatic peaks inspired Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains. Explore the mesa and surrounding karst formations before descending via the Bailong Elevator, a glass elevator that drops 40 stories in about 2 minutes. Conclude the day with your evening flight from Zhangjiajie, arranged according to your next destination.

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, moderate with uphill and downhill.