Yunnan is a haven for outdoor activities. It has some of the most varied and spectacular landscapes in the world, and they provide innumerable opportunities for outdoor pleasures.
River rafting is one of the favorite activities of adventurers visiting Yunnan Province.
Some of the best rafting sites to be found anywhere are in Yunnan, including Three Parallel Rivers, which are Jinsha-Yangtze River, Nujiang-Salween River and Lancang-Mekong River. One of the most exciting river rafting site is Tiger Leaping Gorge. Duoyi River is a little gentler. Nanla River is great for its tropical scenery. The First Bend of Yangtze River has some of the best mountains and river scenery. Also of note are the Nanxi River, Nanpan River, Lancang-Mekong River and Nujiang River.
Hiking is also fantastic in Yunnan. Yunnan has some of the best sites for hiking in all of China. Yunnan has practically everything within its borders, including lakes, waterfalls, gorges, glaciers, mountains, rivers and tropical rainforests. It ranges from lowlands to heights of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The possibilities range from mild walks to challenging adventures such as cliff-edge walking, rock falls, glacier-walking, narrow bridges, vertical ladders, rope bridges and steep inclines.
Outdoor adventure in Yunnan can be combined with cultural immersion because there are so many ethnic minorities living in Yunnan. For the adventurous traveler who likes active experiences, Yunnan is an ideal destination.
Some of the most highly recommended outdoor activities to be experienced in Yunnan include the following.
Herb Mountain is one of Yunnan’s best hiking and climbing locations. Also known as Jiaoding Mountain, it has an elevation of 4,040 meters or 13,256 feet. It has a snow-capped peak in winter, and an alpine meadow landscape similar to that of the northern Tibet plateau. It is well known for its plentiful supply of herbs.
The top 10 mountains for climbing are Herb Mountain, Wumeng Mountain Summit, Gongwang Mountain Summit, Ailao Mountain, Wuliang Mountain, Gaoligong Mountain, Diancang Mountain Main Peak, Laojun Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
Meri Snow Mountain, in Diqing at the border between Yunnan and Tibet, has been believed to be a sacred mountain by Diqing people for countless generations. It plays a big role in Tibetan culture. Each year thousands of Tibetans gather there from Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces to worship. It is also a favorite destination for foreign adventurers.
Here are some of the most picturesque cycling routes in Kunming:
Lake Dian Area
Route: Dianchi Road – Jinbao Mountain – Baiyukou – Haikou –Jinning – Majinpu – Chenggong – Guangfu Road – Dianchi Road
Tips: The route is 145 kilometers of distance. It takes roughly 8 hours to cycle.
Aziying – Baiyi – Songhuaba (Songhua Dam)
Route: Minzu University – Heilongtan Park – Aiziying – Xiaohechakou – Songhuaba – Qishuichang – Northern Kunming City
The route is 130 kilometers and takes about 8 hours to cycle. Not for beginners.
Xishan Mountain Maomaoqing
Route: Youth Centre, Dianchi Road – Haigeng – Xishan Mountain Park – Maomaoqing – Little Shilin – Jinbao Mountain – Gaohai Road – Dianchi Road.
This is a moderate route suitable for any cyclist.
Fumin – Qinglongxia – Anning
Route: Workers’ Hospital – Puji Road – Fumin – Lvze –Qinglongxia – Wenquan – Anning – Mingbo.
This route is about 130 km, and takes about 7 hours. It's a challenging route.
Kunming – Chengjiang
Route: Kunming – Kunluo Road – Majinpu – Chengjiang Toll Gate – Guanglong – Jianshan Luchong – Mingxing – Gushan – Yudai Lake – Xiaba – Haijing – Haikou – Xiaowan – Aijiu – Chengjiang County – Kunming.
This is a long, challenging route, not an easy one suitable for beginners.
The Cangshan Mountain area is a fantastically beautiful landscape west of Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake. It is an enchanted land with nineteen peaks and eighteen streams. It has cable cars that take visitors to the top of Cangshan Mountain or along Jade Cloud Road. It's one of the greatest hiking destinations anywhere.
Nujiang is famous for its suspension bridges across the canyon. Legend says that the first suspension bridge was made by two lovers who wanted so much to be together that they pulled up the first line on the Nu River. Now there are many, and some are like zip lines that can be ridden across the valley using special pulley mechanisms and harnesses. It's a highly exciting attraction.
