5 hiking, climbing and biking trips in China, as its Covid-19 controls ease
- Travelling to China is becoming easier after the country scaled back its border restrictions, opening up possibilities for trips in 2023
- From the Great Wall to the ‘plank walk’ to Tiger Leaping Gorge, here are some of the options for Chinese outdoor adventures
With China finally relaxing its border restrictions, allowing more opportunities for travel, we look at five adventures there to consider in 2023.
Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Yunnan province’s Tiger Leaping Gorge is a spectacular place that is steeped in rural Naxi culture and blessed with dramatic high-mountain scenery. The two-day trek that traverses the gorge ranks as one of the world’s most accessible yet imposing treks.
Situated 45 minutes from Lijiang, the 23km trek starts near Qiaotou and climbs steeply through the “28 Bends” (500 metres of altitude gain) before levelling out for most of the way then descending to finish at Walnut Garden.
You will need a couple of days locally to acclimatise to the altitude, but the trek itself is well marked and easy to follow without the need for a guide. Entry tickets to the valley are obtained at the entrance, and there are several guest houses and restaurants along the trail.
Halfway House and others situated around it are ideal for the overnight stop, and the views over the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are jaw-dropping.
April to June and September to October are the best times to tackle this trail.
Cycle touring around Qinghai Lake
Located high on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in the west of China is the huge Qinghai Lake, an open and wild place that is perfect for a two-wheeled adventure.
