China's Protected Trails

No road leads here — only a steep mountain trail (2–2.5 hours ascent, 450 m elevation gain). For centuries the inhabitants were isolated; now only a few houses remain where you can stay overnight. At dawn you will see a sea of clouds spreading at the foot of stone giants.

Route plan: ascent → overnight in a traditional house → hike to Gongyu peak (800 m) before sunrise → descent.

A nature reserve where traces of ancient volcanic activity remain. The goal is the 1245 m summit, offering a view of more than 5000 mountain peaks. Along the way you will see volcanic lakes with turquoise water and a kilometre‑long "stone slab" — a unique geological wonder.

Adrenaline factor: part of the route goes on unmarked trails, possible encounters with wild boars.

The highest point in the surroundings (1523 m) with no official routes. 97% of the area is covered by untouched taiga. The ascent requires navigation skills — scree, dense undergrowth, steep slopes. Reward: absolute solitude and a bird's‑eye view of the Thousand Islands.

❗ Important: only for well‑prepared groups with an instructor. Insurance is mandatory.

The second highest peak in Eastern China (1787 m). It is home to the world's only population of the eared pheasant (Crossoptilon), as well as spotted deer whose calls can be heard at night. The trail goes through bamboo groves and subalpine meadows. A permit is required for entry — we handle the paperwork.

One of the best reserves for wildlife watching. A 3‑km birdwatching trail is equipped, and there is an "eco‑canyon" with suspension bridges. Seeing a clouded leopard is almost impossible, but macaques, civets and rare birds are regularly encountered.

A little‑known gorge with no entrance fee. Along the bottom, a cascade of 18 natural pools of ice‑cold water connected by waterfalls. The trail runs along the stream, sometimes over rocks. In summer you can swim here in the company of mountain frogs and dragonflies. Very photogenic.

A protected forest with millennium‑old trees. On the "Kingdom of Giants" route grow catalpas aged over 1500 years. The humid air and mossy stones create the atmosphere of a prehistoric forest. You can ascend to the summit by cable car or on foot (2‑3 hours).

Mountains covered 96% by forest. The most spectacular route is the ascent to the "Dragon's Teeth" ridge (915 m) with sharp rocky teeth. The trail runs along the edge of the cliff, with chains in some sections. Panoramas open over endless green hills. Can be combined with a visit to an ancient waterfall.

The largest stand of Chinese torreya (Torreya grandis) in Eastern China, some trees over 1000 years old. Their intertwined roots and trunks create a surreal jungle‑like landscape. Almost no tourists here — only silence and wooden boardwalks.

A national forest park with an extensive network of ecological trails. Forests cover more than 90% of the area, and there are karst wetlands. The park is home to an endemic — the Zhenhai newt, which is found nowhere else on the planet. An ideal location for a first acquaintance with wild nature.