Adventure Tours in Southwest China: What to Expect

Southwest China boasts countless fascinating landscapes. The unique topography, diverse mountain ranges and varied climate of this region attracts adventurers from all over the world to explore. This guide will introduce some famous natural attractions located in Yunnan, Zhangjiajie and Guizhou.

Yunnan

Yunnan tours will take you to witness the majestic snow mountains, spectacular canyons and magical karst landscapes.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of 13 snowy peaks, and the elevation of the main peak is about 5,596 meters. You can see snow mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, primitive forests and other magnificent landscapes. Walk on the mountain trails, you can enjoy the changing sea of clouds and majestic snow mountains around you. 

Glacier Park is also the highlight of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain tour. On the way to the ropeway, visitors can overlook the rich landscape of coniferous forests, alpine scrub, and alpine meadows. Standing on the viewpoint and overlooking the magnificent glacial landscape, you will marvel at the huge glaciers hanging down from the top of the mountain in different forms.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

As one of the deepest canyons in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge attracts trekking enthusiasts with its treacherous landforms and magnificent natural scenery. The scenic area is divided into three sections.

The Upper Tiger Jump is the narrowest section of the entire canyon. Standing on the viewing platform, you can see the spectacular scene consisting of the rushing river and numerous boulders. The canyon of the Middle Tiger Jump is even deeper and the terrain more treacherous. During the hike, you will be stunned by the raging river and steep cliffs around you. The terrain of the Lower Tiger Jump is slightly more spacious. 

Yubeng Village

Hidden at the foot of the Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village is known as the “holy land for trekkers”. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is connected to the outside world only by a post road. Yubeng Village has a number of classic trekking routes covering a wide range of landscapes including snow mountains, glaciers, forests and meadows.

From Lower Yubeng Village, you will pass through lush forests along the way to reach the majestic Sacred Waterfall. Starting from Upper Yubeng Village, you will travel through alpine meadows to reach the Ice Lake. The clear Ice Lake reflects the glaciers of the Meili Snow Mountain, creating a gorgeous picture. The Ninong Canyon route is an 18-kilometer road out of the village. Walk along the Lancang River Canyon and admire the towering cliffs and the rushing river.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is home to many amazing natural treasures. Here are some representative attractions you can visit during your Zhangjiajie tours.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China’s first national forest park and a world natural heritage site. It is home to over 3,000 strange peaks in a variety of shapes and sizes. Strolling in the forest park, you will witness the ingenious work of nature. Among them, Yuanjiajie is one of the filming locations of the movie Avatar. You can take a cable car to overlook those towering stone pillars. 

Also experience exciting activities here. The Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the highest outdoor elevator in the world. Visitors can ascend to the 326-meter-high cliff in merely 66 seconds. The World’s First Bridge is a natural stone bridge that reaches 350 meters high. Stand on the bridge to overlook the surrounding cliffs and deep canyons.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon has spectacular canyon scenery, clear streams, waterfalls and other natural landscapes. Travel through the Grand Canyon to observe the variety of strange rocks and majestic waterfalls scattered along the way. The Crack is one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Walking through the trestles, you will be stunned by its depth and spectacular views. 

Besides enjoying the natural landscape, you can also experience the glass bridge. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is the tallest and longest spanning glass bridge in the world. The bridge is built on the peaks on both sides of the Grand Canyon, with all the bridge decks paved with glass. Standing on the bridge and overlooking the bottom of the valley, you will marvel at the magnificent canyon.

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

Tianmen Mountain is a major iconic attraction in Zhangjiajie. Mountain peaks, strange rocks, and forests form a wonderful picture scroll. Here enjoy the spectacular peaks and forests, sea of clouds, sunrise and other fascinating natural scenery. The Tianmen Cave here is the highest and deepest natural cave in the world. Standing in front of Tianmen Cave, you will be shocked at the ingenious work of nature. 

Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk is a transparent trestle suspended above the cliff at an altitude of about 1430 meters. Visitors can get a very exciting feeling when they stand on trestle and look down at the bottomless valley below them. At the same time, visitors will be able to admire more spectacular views of the canyon and the towering peaks.

Guizhou

Guizhou is known as a wonderful natural tourist destination for its stunning scenery. Guizhou tour is also a popular choice for many adventurers. 

Mount Fanjing

The wonders of Mount Fanjing attract countless nature lovers. The most remarkable part of Fanjing Mountain is its main peak, Golden Peak, which is about 2,336 meters above sea level. Climbing to the Golden Peak and overlooking the rolling hills, you will marvel at the magnificence of nature. 

The tour route of Fanjing Mountain is divided into two routes. From the east route, you can take the cable car up the mountain. Along the way, capture the fascinating picture created by forests and the sea of clouds. The west route is more suitable for hikers. Stroll along the trestles and immerse in the majestic mountain views.

Huangguoshu Waterfall

Huangguoshu Waterfall is located in Anshun City and is known as the largest waterfall in Asia. This majestic waterfall is 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide. Standing on the observation deck, you will be shocked to see the waterfall flying down like a giant dragon. The waterfall and the surrounding karst mountains together form a spectacular landscape. 

In addition, you can experience the fun of forest exploration. Tianxingqiao Scenic Spot is a natural wonder that combines caves, waterfalls and forests. There is a curved trestle that winds through the dense forest. Take a stroll and witness the streams rushing down through the rocks.

Wanfenglin Scenic Area

Wanfenglin is characterized by peak forests and karst landscape, integrating geological relics such as caves and underground rivers. The more than 20,000 peaks here are breathtaking and varied. 

Dongfenglin is the highest peak of Wanfenglin. Here admire the panoramic view of Wanfenglin and overlook the surrounding peaks and villages. Xifenglin is another main attraction of Wanfenglin, which is home to many peculiar rock peaks and canyons. And a stream at the foot of the mountain flows through the ethnic villages on its banks.

Summary

Southwest China is a vast area with majestic mountains, magnificent waterfalls and distinctive landforms. For the adventurous, this region is a good choice for learning about the natural wonders of China. There are more natural attractions in Southwest China for you to explore.