Qingliangfeng: trekking to the cloud peak

Mount Qingliangfeng (清凉峰) is the second highest peak in Eastern China (1787 m), a biosphere reserve and one of the most scenic places for trekking. Unique ecosystems remain intact here: centuries‑old coniferous forests, alpine meadows and extremely rare animals such as the eared pheasant (crossoptilon) and the Himalayan serow.

This 2‑day adventure is for well‑prepared travellers. We depart from Shanghai early in the morning, approach the base camp on the first day, spend the night in a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, and on the second day we ascend to the summit to greet the sea of clouds. The route requires good physical condition, but the reward is worth it: a panorama of thousands of mountains and a feeling of total unity with nature. We arrange all permits in advance.

⛰️Summit 1787 m

🦚Eared pheasant

🥾Trekking 22 km

🏞️Biosphere reserve

🌅Sea of clouds

Atmosphere of the route

Trekking program (2 days)

Day 1. Departure from Shanghai (06:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, ~4 hours drive (300 km) to Lin'an town. Breakfast stop.
Arrival at the reserve entrance (10:30) — obtaining permits, safety briefing. Start of the hike.
Trek through the forest (11:00–13:30) — ascent along a shaded trail through centuries‑old pines and bamboo groves (6 km, elevation gain 400 m).
Lunch at the guesthouse (13:30–14:30) — hot home‑cooked meal. Check‑in, rest before the second day.
Walk to the waterfall (optional, 15:00–17:00) — easy route to a hidden waterfall deep in the forest.
Dinner and overnight (19:00) — tea with local herbs, gear preparation for tomorrow, starry sky.
Day 2. Early wake‑up (05:00) — breakfast, pack backpacks.
Ascent to the summit (06:00–09:30) — the most picturesque section: alpine meadows, rock ridges, habitat of the eared pheasant.
At the Qingliangfeng summit (09:30–10:30) — rest, photos of the sea of clouds, geodetic marker (1787 m).
Descent via the southern slope (10:30–13:30) — a gentler trail through mixed forest.
Lunch in the village (13:30–14:30) — local cuisine: wild mushrooms, charcoal‑grilled chicken.
Departure to Shanghai (15:00) — return with one sanitary stop.
Arrival in Shanghai (~20:00) — drop‑off at Xinzhuang metro station.

Sample schedule (2 days)

Time	Stage	Details
Day 1, 06:00	Departure from Shanghai	Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station (north exit). Tardiness is not accepted.
10:30	Trail start	Registration at the reserve, restroom. Mandatory safety briefing.
11:00–13:30	Forest area	Ascent 6 km, elevation gain 400 m. Plenty of shade, great spots for photos.
13:30–14:30	Lunch and accommodation	Guesthouse in the village. Rooms for 4‑6 people (shared facilities).
15:00–17:00	Free time / waterfall	Optional – short walk to the waterfall (3 km).
19:00	Dinner	Local dishes, discussion of the plan for tomorrow's ascent.
Day 2, 05:00	Wake‑up	Wash, hearty breakfast, pack belongings.
06:00–09:30	Ascent to the summit	Elevation gain 700 m over 3.5 km. The views become wider and wider.
09:30–10:30	Summit (1787 m)	Sea of clouds (weather permitting), snack, photos with the geodetic marker.
10:30–13:30	Descent十七章Gentler trail, sometimes slippery after rain. Watch your step.
13:30–14:30	Lunch	Restaurant in the village (paid separately).
15:00	Departure	Group gathering, strict departure on schedule.
~20:00	Arrival in Shanghai	Drop‑off at Xinzhuang metro station.

💡 Important notes for the Qingliangfeng hike:

Footwear must have high ankles (ankle injuries are the most common problem).
Water: 2 litres on the first day, 1.5 litres on the second (refill only possible at the guesthouse).
The temperature at the summit is 8‑12°C lower than in Shanghai. Even in summer you need a fleece jacket.
The permit to visit the reserve is processed 3 days before the tour.

Price and conditions (2 days, minimum 2 persons)

💰

Tour price

By car

Comfort

Door‑to‑door transfer. Guide services + transport.

$650per group of 1‑3 people

Groups > 4 people – individual price

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Additional expenses (per person)

Entry to the reserve + permit120¥ (~$17)
Overnight in a guesthouse100¥ (~$14)
Meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch)180¥ (~$25)
Insurance (recommended)70¥ (~$10)

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Duration

~38 hours (2 days)

departure 06:00 on the first day, return 20:00 on the second day

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Additional services

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Minivan rental

+$80

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Airport transfer

+$100

🏨

Private room in the guesthouse

+$60 (room)

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Photo session

+$120

Frequently asked questions

Is a special permit required to visit Qingliangfeng?

Yes, the Qingliangfeng Nature Reserve has a strict protection regime. We arrange all necessary permits for your group in advance. Independent visits are impossible.

How difficult is the route?

The route is of high difficulty. Total distance over two days is about 22 km, elevation gain 1100 m. Good physical shape and hiking experience are required. Suitable for adults over 16.

What equipment do I need?

High‑ankle trekking boots, raincoat, warm jacket (it is +10°C at the summit even in summer), snacks for 2 days, thermos, headlamp, trekking poles, sleeping bag (optional – the guesthouse provides blankets).

Can I see the eared pheasant?

The chance to see this rare bird is high in the early morning on the alpine meadows. We know the best spots for observation, but cannot guarantee a sighting – this is wild nature.

Where do we sleep?

In a guesthouse 2 km from the trailhead. Rooms for 4‑6 people, shared facilities. Authentic atmosphere, clean, hot water available.

What about mobile phone coverage?

Coverage on the trail is unstable. A full signal is only available in the village at the foot. We strongly recommend charging a power bank.

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Important information

Prices are valid for 2026. Booking requires a 50% prepayment (PayPal, card). If cancelled 7 days in advance – 80% refund, less than 7 days – 30% refund. The route may be changed or cancelled by the guide in extreme weather conditions (typhoon, heavy rain). The participant must have a medical certificate of no contraindications to intensive hiking loads.