Yunnan Hiking
Yunnan is not only a romantic place for wind and flowers, but also a paradise for hiking lovers. Yunnan hiking is from tropical rainforests to snowy mountain canyons, from the old tea-horse road to minority villages, each route offers you a different view.
Yunnan is not only a romantic place for wind and flowers, but also a paradise for hiking lovers. Yunnan hiking is from tropical rainforests to snowy mountain canyons, from the old tea-horse road to minority villages, each route offers you a different view. But faced with so many choices, where is the best place for your hiking trip? Which route produces the most films? In this guide, I will combine my own hiking experience to recommend 8 hiking routes in Yunnan with different difficulty and scenery. Today, let's walk into 8 mesmerising hiking routes in Yunnan together, and get ready to be shocked by nature's ingenious work!
1. Nanjiluo: the Real Version of the Wizard of Oz
Strolling in the primitive forest, with the sound of gurgling streams in your ears, the greenness in front of you, and the sunlight casting dappled shadows on the ground through the leaves - this is the first impression that Nanjiluo will give you.
June to October is the best time to visit this secret place, along the path, the stream is so clear that you can see the rocks underneath at a glance, as if you have entered a fairy tale world. Locals say that the summer in Nanjiluo is like being enchanted, and you can meet surprises every step of the way.
2. Avalanche: Heaven on the Left, Avalanche on the Right
"If you don't want to go to heaven, go to Avalanche" is a saying that has been circulating in the hiking circle for a long time. It is hidden in the deep village of Avalanche in the Meili Snow Mountain, and April-July and September-November are the best period to visit. I remember last summer, I met the most spectacular sunshine gold mountain here, golden sunshine sprinkled on the snowy mountains, at that moment as if time had stood still. Along the way, you can also encounter waterfalls, glacial lakes and a variety of cute animals, no wonder some people say that this is the "paradise" of the real version.
3. Nyiru: the World's First Ecological Village
Known as the "world's first eco-village" by UN experts, Nyiru is beautiful from May to November. Alpine meadows, pastures, rivers and lakes... Every landscape here takes your breath away. I especially like the Niru in the early morning, the mist shrouded village, herdsmen driving cattle and sheep slowly walking past, the feeling of the quiet years, the city can never be found.
4. Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Must-See Trip of Your Life!
Tiger Leaping Gorge, rated by National Geographic as one of the world's top ten classic hiking routes, is best suited for the challenge between May and November. Standing at the edge of the gorge, watching the Jinsha River rushing under your feet, the shock can't be described in words. Last summer, I met a 70-year-old grandfather here, who said it was the third time he came to Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking, "every time I come, I can feel a different power".
5. Abuji Tso: The Mysterious Beauty of the Meteorite Fall Site
From May to November, the pristine forests and alpine lakes of Abuji Tso blend perfectly. When travelling through the forest, I always can't help but look for all kinds of novelty mushrooms, and the mani piles, stupas, and sutra streamers along the way all speak of the unique local customs. I remember the bowl of ghee tea in the herdsmen's tent, and still feel warm when I think about it.
6. Haba Black Sea: the Sapphire of the Fairyland on Earth
From May to October, the Black Sea at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain is so beautiful that it makes people lose their breath. There are no crowds of tourists here, only the purest natural scenery. When I hiked to the top of the mountain overlooking the sapphire-like lake, I suddenly understood why some people are willing to trek for a view.
7. Old Medicine Mountain: Heidi and Grandpa's Fairytale World
Old Medicine Mountain from August to October is a feast of alpine meadows and sea of clouds. Standing at an altitude of 3,700 metres, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain standing side by side. When the iris flowers bloom all over the ground, cows and sheep walk by in herds, and the picture is alive with scenes from ‘Heidi and Grandpa’.
8. Peacock Mountain: the Surprise of the Newest Niche Route
From May to December, the pyramid-shaped Peacock Mountain is stunningly beautiful from any angle. Whether it's paired with a pine forest or a frozen lake, it's a mind-blowing experience. There are not many tourists here, and it retains the most pristine natural features, making it a secret base for photography enthusiasts.
Hiking Tips
Safety always comes first when Yunnan Hiking. I remember a friend I met last year in Yupeng said, "Nature is beautiful, but it's also very harsh." So be sure to be fully prepared:
Be well-equipped: hiking shoes, punching jacket, sun hat... Anything less could make you suffer. I'll always remember the time I didn't bring sunscreen and ended up peeling off my skin.
Check the weather in advance: the weather in Yunnan can change at any time, and the climate in the mountains is even more unpredictable. Remember to bring a mackintosh, it might come in handy at some point.
Live within your means: Don't be a hero, altitude sickness is no joke. The first time I went to Shangri-La, I was too excited to run and jump, and I had a headache for a whole day.
Protect the environment: take away all the rubbish, not even the fruit peel. Seeing all those plastic bottles being thrown away, I really feel sorry for these beautiful places.
Respect the local culture: go round the Mani heap clockwise and don't touch the streamers. All these details can make you get more goodwill from the locals.
Conclusion:
Yunnan Hiking is a travelling feast to measure Yunnan with your feet. Each hiking route tells a different story, waiting for you to discover. When you take a deep breath in the forest, stop under the snow-capped mountains, and laze by the lakes, you'll suddenly realise that this is what life should be like. Are you ready to come to Yunnan to hike? Come and travel with us! Don't forget to bring your curiosity and courage, the most beautiful scenery is always on the road.
More Yunnan Travel
- Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge: The Ultimate Guide to China's Top 10 Global Trek
- What to do at Dianchi Lake?
- Best Yunnan Tour with Meili Snow Mountain
- What to do in Dali Old Town?
- The Erhai lake in Yunnan, China: The Romantic Rendezvous of a Lifetime
- Kunming Travel Guide Top Attractions & Food in China's Spring City
