In this guide to nature travel in China, you’ll discover the uncovered beauty of China
We’ll take a vacation any time, including camping holidays, alternative beach adventures, and wellness retreats in Asia. Our guide to nature travel in China will unveil hidden charms and a way of life unchanged since ancient times. Slip on your walking boots and get set for an out-of-doors experience in China’s hinterland.
1. Forests and gorges in Yunnan
Yunnan Province is an enchanting place of ancient lore, spectacular natural beauty and rich culture. The wild landscape of forests, deep gorges and karst mountains is ever changing, and the old towns and villages are filled with mystical tales, local customs and traditions of China’s ethnic minority groups (so you get a history lesson too).
Hiking gear at the ready; explore Stone Forest, visit famous Tiger Leaping Gorge and explore the alpine city of Shangri-La, close to the Tibetan border, which steals the show with its Himalayan panoramas. Rest weary legs at The Hidden Valley Resort, heralded as China’s first glamping site, complete with tented villas, wood-burning stoves, large bathtubs and a sneaky peek into times gone by.
2. Horse riding and picnics in Tibet
Tibet is overflowing with nature of the scenic and spiritual kind. Vast plains, enchanting lakes, blue skies and herds of cattle make up the landscape, with tiny villages scattered among mountains. Home to friendly and generous locals, they’ll welcome you into their homes (with a social-distancing-savvy fist-pump) for a Lhasa Beer.
Stroll around stunning Yamdrok Lake, breathing in the fresh air and stopping for a lakeside picnic. Stare at the north face of Everest and visit Rongbuk Monastery where you can observe the monks and nuns going about their days. Humans not your thing? Discover Tibet on the back of a horse with nomads who’ll take you along the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Stay at St Regis Lhasa.
3. Rafting and rock climbing in Yangshuo
Located at the confluence of the Li and Yulong rivers, Yangshuo is the spot from which to take a bamboo raft ride on the Li River, passing by dramatic karst landscapes and rolling hills that inspired poets, painters and photographers. Besides scenic cruises, kayaks and dinghies are available, and ferries will shuttle you to antique villages such as Yangdi, where there’s a fabulous hiking trail back to Yangshuo.
Cycling the local villages or the Ten-Mile Gallery is an epic way to witness orchards, butterfly springs, mud swimming pools and spindly cormorant fishermen as you go. Up the luxe at Alila Yangshuo, an old-sugar-mill-turned-hotel which makes the most of the surrounding scenery by offering personal rock climbing classes. Inspired? Read more here.
4. Gardens and water towns in Suzhou
Just sixty miles from Shanghai is Suzhou, an affluent city where nature comes first. Along with museums, Chinese theatre and gourmet restaurants you’ll find over sixty classical gardens, nine of which have UNESCO World Heritage status. Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties of 1500–1900, they come with brilliant names such as the Retreat and Reflection Garden and are at their blooming best between April – September.
Also near to Shanghai are several water towns where canals wind through the streets of picturesque traditional architecture, giving the area the moniker of “the World’s Oriental Venice.” Make The Peninsula Shanghai your base and escape for day trips into tranquillity.
5. Village-hopping and hiking in Beijing
Beyond Beijing’s bustling city lies lush countryside, mountain peaks and quaint local villages; there are even parts of The Great Wall of China – dubbed as the ‘wild wall’ – where you can hike the overgrown path free of tourists. Enjoy a countryside jeep tour through out Xi’an through backroads and towards Jade city, or head two-hours further to Longqing Gorge, Fenghuangling Nature Park (which offers fantastic hiking trails), Xiangshui Lake or the Kangxi Grasslands.
Don’t miss a visit to Liugou Folk Village which is famous for its excellent tofu, and Diaowo Village, the mountain village home of local writers and artists. While cosying up with the residents in a farmhouse is tempting, Lightfoot Travel recommends bedding down at the ever-cool and classy Rosewood Beijing.