Hiking In China – Popular With Locals and Tourists Alike

Ask any westerner in the know what the appeal of hiking in China is, and they will have an immediate answer on the tip of their tongue. Chances are, they will wax lyrical about the gorgeous landscapes, challenging climbs, fascinating culture and history, and of course sights such as the Great Wall. These factors have been attracting foreigners to the most densely populated country in the world for decades, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

What may come as a surprise is the fact that the locals themselves do not seem to have noticed the natural and historic wealth of their country until very recently. It is often said those from a certain country or locality are blind to its charms, but when said charms are as evident as they are in this fascinating country, it's downright puzzling! However, all that is slowly changing, as the last few generations of Chinese nationals seem to finally have twigged to the appeal of hiking in China. Young people are now avidly engaging in the very same activity westerners have indulged in for decades.

In fact, the hiking craze seems to have taken over the country in recent years here, as people finally reach a level of economical and financial stability that allows them to indulge in leisure activities. Perhaps as a result of this delay, for the locals, hiking in China is not the high-tech-assisted endeavour it is for most western recreational walkers - it is, somewhat endearingly, closer to what a Jack Kerouac or Alex McCandless might have experienced in the mid-20th century. Trial and error abounds, and the latest technological advances – which took decades to win over the knowledgeable western public – are entirely unheard of. The most important element of all – the passion – is, however, present in droves.

As far as destinations go, one of the most popular places to go hiking in China among locals is Guizhou, a paradise of waterfalls and protected wildlife that presents a stark contrast to the rarefied air of Beijing - and also attracts its fair share of tourists.

It remains to be seen whether this new, nature-loving demographic changes the course of Chinese society from its relentless capitalistic pursuits into something more resembling the environmentally-conscious period of western history. Until then, western hikers can revel in the fact that they are likely to meet more than a few like-minded locals on their walking holidays.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday hiking in China to the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.