China Hiking Tours

• 1-star hiking we have classed as short-distant hiking (walking tours) of no more than 5 km (3 miles) on well-paved or mostly well-surfaced paths with little or no ascent in a city or low-altitude area.
• 2-star hiking (easy half-day hiking) is estimated as 5–15 km (3–9 miles) with ascents and descents on paved steps and an altitude of no more than 2,000 m (6,560 ft).
• 3-star hiking describes moderate/long/challenging day treks of about 10–20 km (6–12 miles) with ascents that could be more than 500 m (1,500ft), high points that could be more than 3,000 m (10,000 ft) above sea level, and hiking on dirt roads or small forest paths.
• 4-star hiking we have graded as moderate/challenging multiday hiking of more than 10 km (6 miles) per day on average with possible ascents and descents on steep paths, possibly at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 m (10,000–16,000 ft).
• 5-star hiking describes challenging multiday trekking expeditions, requiring professional logistical support/equipment, usually with mountaineering and/or altitudes of over 5,000 m (16,400 ft).

Wear walking shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activities, sunglasses, sun block and hat are necessary.

Best time to hiking in Guilin is from middle of April to October especially the autumn. Avoid Guilin's monsoon (March and April).Spring and autumn are the best time in Tiger Leaping Gorge, when the temperatures and humidity are lower.

Watering the fields in Longji Terraced Fields starts every April, planting in June and harvest comes during late September. Golden terraced fields are fabulous during China's National Day holiday. Although we don't recommend visiting China during the period, yet it's the best time to see and photograph the countless yellow rice terraces. The rice stalks don't turn golden before National Day and is quickly cut after the holiday.

It's not open to travelers now, so we arrange the Meeting Dragon River hiking instead of the Li River hiking. Meeting Dragon River is one of the best areas to enjoy Guilin's Karst hills.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking is a rather difficult and serious hiking route in China. Get ready for a 7-hour hiking on the first day and 4-5 hours hiking on the second day.