UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Mountains in China
From cliffside paths and towering stone pillars to colorful hills and sacred summits, China’s mountains offer memorable landscapes and distinctive ways to explore them.
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Adventure & Landscapes
Mount Hua’s narrow plank walk clings to a sheer cliff face, with the valley opening below. At Qixing Mountain in Zhangjiajie, via ferrata routes combine fixed cables, metal footholds and suspended crossings. These adventurous routes make the climb part of the attraction, with rock walls close at hand and open valleys stretching below.
Beyond the paths, the scenery changes dramatically from one region to another. Huangshan’s granite peaks and twisting pines emerge from drifting cloud, while Wulingyuan’s sandstone pillars rise above forested valleys. Farther northwest, the colored layers of Zhangye’s rounded hills create a very different landscape. Together, they reveal the variety of forms, textures and colors found across China’s mountains.
Culture & Exploration
For centuries, mountains have also been places of pilgrimage and retreat. Mount Emei and Mount Jiuhua are important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, with temples set among wooded slopes. On coastal Mount Lao, Daoist temples reflect another enduring mountain tradition. Visiting these places brings the relationship between religious life, architecture and the natural setting into focus.
Forest walks, stone stairways and scenic viewpoints offer time to explore at a slower pace. Cable cars can shorten some ascents, though steps and uphill walking may still be involved. Choose routes that suit your time, fitness and comfort with heights, whether the day centers on reaching a summit, visiting a temple or enjoying the changing views.
Mountains to Explore
Mount Hua
Steep mountain ridges open onto sweeping views.
Wulingyuan
Sandstone pillars rise above lush forested valleys.
Rainbow Mountains
Colorful rock layers sweep across rolling hills.
Huangshan
Twisted pines frame granite peaks and seas of cloud.
Qixing Mountain
Cliffside routes offer thrilling via ferrata climbs.
Mount Emei
Forest paths lead to a sacred Buddhist summit.
Mount Jiuhua
Pilgrims follow mountain paths to Buddhist temples.
Mount Fanjing
Twin temples crown a steep peak above the clouds.
Mount Lao
Daoist temples overlook a rugged, scenic coastline.
Sources & editorial notes
An official notice dated 14 September 2026 announced the temporary closure of Mount Hua’s Plank Walk and Sparrowhawk Turn from 15 September for maintenance. Reopening had not been verified at the editorial check on 29 October 2026. Check the scenic area’s latest announcements before planning these activities.
- Mount Huangshan — UNESCO
- Wulingyuan — UNESCO
- Zhangye Colorful Hills — UNESCO Tentative List
- Mount Emei — UNESCO
- Jiuhua Shan — Lonely Planet
- Fanjingshan — UNESCO
- Qixing Mountain via ferrata — Chinaculture
- Mount Lao — Official Scenic Area
- Mount Hua plank walk — China Tourism News
- Mount Hua closure notice — Official account