Listing the top 4 most popular outdoor hiking trails in Yunnan, China

Many backpackers choose to hike in Yunnan, a city with abundant mountains and forests that release negative ions. What are the most popular hiking destinations in this city? You can choose from easy, moderate, and difficult trails.

Yubeng

Difficulty level: High. Deep within the Meili Snow Mountain lies an ancient Tibetan village named Yubeng. Known for its isolated location, picturesque scenery, and serene environment, it is often compared to the 'Peach Blossom Spring' described by Tao Yuanming. Yubeng is famous among hikers and is considered an epic trekking route in China. It is praised as 'the last paradise on Earth,' 'Heaven above, Yubeng below,' 'an unparalleled peach garden at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain,' and 'a secluded place under the sacred mountain and holy water.' Despite its many accolades, Yubeng remains a world apart.

Anaguo

Difficulty level: Low. Anaguo is located in Xiyan Group, Taohua Village, Shitou Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. Also known as Anage or Anage Pavilion, the hiking route is jointly developed by Anaguo Village and Lijiang Aladdin Travel Agency, making it a newly popular beginner-level hiking destination in China. The area features attractions such as primeval forests, alpine pastures, sea of clouds at sunrise, rhododendron forests, spruce forests, yew forests, rugged stone mountains, Iris Valley, and Xiangshui River. It is renowned as 'The Anaguo of Heaven' and 'The Yubeng of 10 years ago'.

Haba Snow Mountain

Difficulty level: High. Haba Snow Mountain is located in the southeastern part of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, with the highest altitude being 5396 meters. The mountain peak is covered with snow all year round, resembling a crystal-clear pagoda standing on the dreamlike land of Shangri-La. Haba Snow Mountain is almost a must-climb destination for mountaineering enthusiasts and is also suitable for beginner climbers. The best climbing seasons are from March to June and from September to December, while other seasons are mostly rainy and windy. Although most tourists come to Haba Snow Mountain mainly for climbing, it also boasts stunning natural scenery. The area is home to almost all species of rhododendrons found in northwestern Yunnan, and different species can be seen at different altitudes. It is referred to as the 'Mother of World Gardens' by biologists both domestically and internationally.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a national scenic area, a 5A national tourist attraction, and a national geological park in China. It is considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people. The emperor of the Nanzhao Kingdom personally conferred it as the 'Northern Mountain,' and Kublai Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, titled it 'Great Holy Northern Mountain, Stabilizing the Nation and Securing the Empire.' It is also a filming location for popular TV series such as 'Battle Through the Heavens,' 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' 'The Mu Saga,' 'Beijing Youth,' 'Go Fighting,' and 'New Journey to the West.' The main peak, Shanzidou, stands at an altitude of 5,596 meters and is often shrouded in clouds, making it an unconquered virgin peak. Comprising 12 snow-capped peaks, the mountain boasts rich natural tourism resources, including snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, and primeval forests.