China Trekking Guide
China
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Trekking
The Great Wall of China stretches for over 6000km, from the east coast to the Gobi Desert, snaking through dramatic canyons, green mountains, barren deserts and ancient villages.
Popular treks lead east from Beijing towards Huanghua and, while some sections are in good condition, ruined areas require demanding scrambling; walkers should be fit and energetic, if they are planning a multi-day trek.
Spring and autumn are good trekking seasons, with May, September and early October being the most comfortable. From November through to April the biting winds and bitter cold make the Wall inhospitable and icy.
To experience rural China, head south to the rice terraces and cone-shaped mountains of temperate Guangxi province, and for lush rainforests and alpine mountain ranges, Yunnan is the place. Top destinations include Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest in the world, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (almost 6000m). Temperatures are pleasant for trekking all year, but vary with increasing altitude. May to October brings monsoon rains but don’t seem to put off many hikers.
