China has plenty of stunning landscapes and jaw-dropping views, but among its very best are the towering peaks and canyons of its mountains.
From the western Himalayas to the Five Great Mountains, there is no shortage of crowning summits, sheer cliffsides and enormous gorges for the mountain-crazy to admire or climb.
More often than not, these vistas resemble an ever-present motif in Chinese art called shansui (山水), where towering mountains loom over winding rivers.
So put on your boots and let us take a peek over spine-tingling handrails (if any) at some of China’s most treasured geological wonders!
Himalayas (Jiawula Mountain Pass)
Little more than an open summit with a road leading up to it, the Jiawula Mountain Pass may seem pretty underwhelming, but it more than makes up for it with a million-dollar view of that superstar of mountains – the Himalayas.
Straddling the boundary between the human world and nature, almost as if a guardian, the pass overlooks an undulating landscape of barren hills that soar up to 8,000 m into the heavens before terminating at the roof of the world.
Not only is it the only spot for kilometers around with such a mesmerizing view of the Himalaya’s snowcapped peaks, it’s also surprisingly serene and spiritual, with only the sound of the wind to accompany you.
Sanhuzhu Snow Mountain
The Sanhuzhu Snow Mountain is a series of three snowy, majestic peaks that crown the top of a gargantuan mountain range.
To get a full grasp of just how huge it is, head to the Manachajin Observation Deck, a simple viewing platform 160 km away from the town of Muli that is located on a grassy ridge.
Soaring high above 4380 metres, it affords visitors unobstructed views of this expansive range, which are only enhanced during sunrise when the first rays of sunlight catch its lofty peaks.
The foot of the mountains also have breathtaking lakes and alpine foliage, particularly in and around the famed Daocheng Yading Natural Reserve Scenic Area.
Longquan Mountains
The Longquan Mountains have shaped Chengdu just as much as the city has shaped it.
Nowadays, this relatively low series of mountains has become a green retreat for the city folk living in the nearby capital of Sichuan.
Though there is development clustered around the coiled dragon-like Eye of Chengdu building, much of the mountain is still retains its wild and picturesque charm with only simple paths cutting through mountain foliage.
For a particularly photogenic visit, try visiting the Danzhai County side of Longquan during autumn, where you’ll see blood-red azaleas blanketing the mountains!
Niubeishan
Imagine a sea of clouds enveloping entire mountain ranges while gleaming white peaks glow and glitter under the sun– well, that’s the view from Niubeishan (Ox-back Mountain) for you!
Named due to its sharp peak and lower ridge looking like the horns and hump of an ox, this mountain has been the Mecca of sunrise hunters for decades due to its gorgeous sunrise views, all thanks to a viewing platform that affords visitors a gorgeous look at distant Mount Gongga.
As you look over the many misty peaks, stroll by a virgin spring or greet a herd of goats, let your worries melt away in Niubeishan.
Wugong Mountain
If you ever find yourself in southeastern China with an itch to hike to and sing amongst alpine grasslands, then head for the lofty peaks of Wugong Mountain in Jiangxi Province.
Draped in green grasslands, its rolling hills look like a scene straight out of the Swiss Alps or the Sound of Music. Make it up to the peak on a good day, and you even can see its emerald hills sparkling above a sea of clouds.
Despite its remote beauty, the area is also remarkably accessible due to paved paths and translated signage in English. If you can handle the freezing winds and temperatures, tents and other accommodation an option.
Huangshan
“Mere mountains pale in comparison after visiting the Five Sacred Mountains,
the Five Sacred Mountains pale in comparison after visiting Mount Huangshan.”
So goes the Chinese proverb for one of China’s most renowned mountains.
Just one look is enough to see why that’s the case – jagged, weathered spines that rise and fall dramatically across dozens of mountain ranges, perilous drops navigable only by paths wide enough for two or three persons at most and a misty veil that seem to hide the mythical sages that call it home.
If there ever was an iconic image of China overseas, then the misty, balding peaks of Huangshan are surely it.
For prime vantage points, head for the Yungu and Xihai Scenic Areas, which feature craggy peaks and heart-stopping views from cliffside stairs respectively.
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
One of deepest and most remote canyons in the world, the Yarlung Tsangpo is home to unimaginable beauty, but also terrifying power.
Channeled through narrow canyons that are some of the world’s deepest at 5,000 m, its rivers of whitewater rapids can throw kayakers who are daredevil enough to brave it down extreme, sometimes fatal heights and hairpin turns, so much so that it has been called the “Everest of Rivers”.
For the rest of us who prefer to keep our feet dry, the canyon holds many bizarre geological formations and features, such as the Flying Rock and Goddess Peak. This is also in addition to unimaginably beautiful alpine landscapes, stunning waterfalls and diverse wildlife, which may have inspired the tale of Shangri-La.
Anjihai Grand Canyon
Ever wanted to go to Mars? Then head for the far reaches of western China in Xinjiang, where you’ll find the Anjihai Grand Canyon.
Rust-red rock, brown stone and muted green shrubs are the only colours decorating a stark, almost alien landscape, only occasionally interrupted by long, snaking rivers or roads. In fact, some of the weathered terrain here has been carved and weathered away so smoothly, it almost looks like an unseen intelligence might have done it!
Some of Xinjiang’s most stunning photo spots can also be found here, including a monolithic cliff that juts out perilously into the canyon, with nothing but your wits preventing you from tumbling down it’s 90-degree cliffs.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Among Yunnan’s many glorious peaks and gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge easily ranks among the most must-see.
Walls of rugged, jet-black peaks fill your vision, descending into alleys full of violent, roiling water.
The centerpiece of the gorge is located at its upper portion at Tiger Leaping Rock, which was said to have been used by the eponymous tiger to leap across the watery chasm below. If you want to feel truly small, get up onto a viewing platform near the boulder to enjoy the deafening roar of the rapids, the constant blast of mist and the HUGENESS of it all up close.
But, for a true return to nature, try a two-day journey across the gorge’s wild and rocky hiking trails. Although there are a few guesthouses and shops, compared to the usual crush of crowds, overdevelopment and overcommercialization in China, most of the hikes here take you through quiet, peaceful, cliff-hugging trails, with little to no distractions to tear you apart from the glory of Yunnan’s heavenly sights.
As you can see, China is clearly not lacking in vertically-inclined attractions. Whether they’re barren spires, shrub-lined ridges or mist-covered mountains, each and every one of these magnificent monuments confronts you with the overwhelming power and mystery of nature.
So, make sure to pack and prepare well, leave nothing but your footsteps, and most of all – breathe in the fresh mountain air!
