You have three weeks to travel China and you are disinterested in following the standard route. If you are one of those people who is uninspired by city life with its skyscrapers, people, cars and noise, then taking the regular travel route around China is not going to work for you as China’s big cities are loud and crammed with people. Perhaps many people enjoy the excitement and bustle of the city, but not you. No, the mere idea of being crammed into a subway car or station underground like compacted rice with hundreds, thousands, even millions of other people during rush hour in Shanghai makes you shudder and sweat profusely.

Instead, you find valor in nature and tranquility, searching out the undiscovered areas and going great distances to see nature in all its splendor. The China you seek is not the one normally advertised. Arguably, it is much harder to experience because it requires you getting yourself to the more remote areas in China’s expansive rural regions. However, it merits a journey if adventure and outdoor beauty is what you are trying to find in this huge country. China has no shortage of beautiful places to visit, but this route is especially for those who have an immense appreciation of hiking escapades, and relish in the splendor of looking out over the world from a blustery peak with chapped lips and an overwhelming sentiment of pure content in being alive. Your idea of accommodation is in a clearing or perhaps you would enjoy staying on a wooden floor for a night in the residence of some of China’s Buddhist monks? Sound more like it? Then you need to tailor your route to tackle climbing some of China’s most grandiose mountains.

Photo: Andrea Hunt

Cost:
For starters, you should note that visiting the mountains might be the most aesthetically rewarding yet not always the cheapest route. You need to factor in things like extra transportation and taxis, since not all busses and trains go to these destinations. In addition, for time’s sake, you may want to start at the top of the mountain and hike down. For this, you will need to factor in additional bus expenses, which will be covered by mountain on an individual basis. Travel inside a city can be cheaper because you can use public transport and stay in hostels, etc and have a selection of places where you can stay. In contrast most of the time, the mountains and parks are not directly in the city but a bit outside. There are cable car fees as well that you should account for, they range from 10-50 Yuan for the most part. In addition, entrance fees can be steep, as much as 200 RMB, and food on the mountain can be expensive.

Accommodation:
Sleeping arrangements in China’s mountainous parks are a bit different from other places. In some parks, there is no camping allowed at all. Pitching a tent is possible only in some areas. On other mountains such as Emeishan Mountain in Sichuan, you can stay in the monasteries with the Buddhist monks for a reasonable price, usually around 40-60 Yuan. Many times, a vegetarian meal will be provided and the accommodation is simple yet clean. It’s also an interesting experience and option that you might want to consider when in these areas.

Photo: Scott Strode

When to go:
Mountains are always unpredictable, but when planning your trip to the mountains, you need to factor in the seasons as well because at times in the winter the trails may be impassable or closed altogether. High peaks can be extremely windy and cold so dress with an extra sweatshirt and rain poncho in your backpack.

 

Best of China’s Mountains Route:
This route will be divided by the mountains themselves instead of by days since certain places you may decide to stay longer. In a three week time period, on this route. The mountains route covers some of the best stops in the eastern parts of China: Wutaishan, Taishan, Jiuhuashan, Huangshan, Lushan, and finally, Wuyishan.

 

Photo: Andrea Hunt

***

Expat Corner> Adventures of Train Travel in China
China Explorer> Guests of the Aini-the Jungles of Menghun, Xishuangbanna
China Explorer> Practical Information on Travel in China

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.