Adventure Travel in China

China’s Hidden Treasures

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Email: OutdoorClub@CnAdventure.com
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Hidden deep in China are some of the worlds most stunning national parks and reserves, unknown by foreign tourists these ‘hidden’ treasures remain undiscovered by the outside world and often are only frequented by Natives.

The Peoples Republic of China have approved and declared over 200 national parks and nature reserves, although only a handful of these have been classified by the INUC and UNESCO. With many stretching far and beyond the boundaries that the official names would suggest, China has a paradise just waiting to be explored.

If you are seeking unusual and unique natural land formations with panoramic views of virgin forest, then Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, in the Northern Hunan Province has plenty to offer. Awarded the status of UNESCO global Geopark in 2004, it boasts 97% forest coverage and breathtaking quartz-sandstone pillar-like formations. One pillar, the 3,544 foot Southern Sky Column, was recently renamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”. In honour of the inspiration it gave to the films director and production designers for the floating Hallelujah Mountains seen in the film.

Jinbi Stream

Highlights of the park include Huangshizhai (Yellow stone stronghold) situated 1300 metres above sea level and characterised by overhanging cliffs, high staking platforms with jagged rocks and elegant peaks, it’s reputed as the enlarged potted landscape and miniature fairyland. Huangshi Village where local legend states, “He, who does not reach Huangshi village, does not pay tribute to Zhangjiajie” undoubtedly offers the best sightseeing platform in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Jinbi Stream (golden whip stream) famed for its crystal clear water, lush mountains, abrupt cliffs and its serene valley, stretches 7.5 kilometres from Laomo Bay to Shui Rao Si Men (water surrounded gates). Featured prominently on a world map, it appears as a fine thread even on a small scaled map of Zhangjiajie, yet for many its considered one of the most memorable and beautiful waterways.

Naturally mesmerizing sights can be beheld in Jiuzhaigou National Park, a nature reserve in the north of the Sichuan Province in Southern Western China. Translated to English the “Valley of Nine Villages” is renowned for its plentiful multi-level waterfalls and colourful lakes. Categorised as a protected landscape, Jiuzhaigou National park wad declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992. Comprised of three valleys arranged in a Y shape and covering 1320km2, it is a remote region not easy reached by land. Inhabited by Tibetan and Qiany people for centuries, it offers some of the most beautifully inspiring scenery in the world and a number of scenic spots which natives consider holy. Jiuzhaigou National Park is classed by many as heaven on earth.

Mount Siguniangshan

Highlights include Mt Siguniangshan (Four Maiden’s Mountain) Consisting of four adjacent peaks, its name comes from local Tibetan legend that states “four peaks are the embodiments of four pretty girls”.  This unspoilt natural beauty and unusually shaped mountain peaks is rarely seen elsewhere in the world and could easily be mistaken for Southern European and is often referred to as the “Alps of the East”. Fairy Pool Park comprises of 2,000 alpine lakes and limestone pools, scattered throughout the verdant forest. It is renowned for its three huge colourful pools and small white and pale yellow stone dams.  Named “Nen’en Sangcuo” in Tibetan it translates to “a place where fairies bathe” with calcified stones beneath the water reflecting colours that resemble agates, corals and pearls, whilst rare animals such as pandas, golden monkeys and Tibetan antelope roam freely. Huanglong Park (Yellow Dragon Park) named after the ancient Huanglong Temple situated at the top of this scenic area neighbours Jiuzhaigou. The main peak of the Minsham Mountain towers some 5,588 metres above sea level and remains snow capped all year round, offering a remarkable vista of the Huanglong Valley with its unique open limestone landscape and wide pale yellow calcareous deposits. Water from melting snow mixes with the limestone water from underground and flows down the mountain reflecting flashes of gold in the sunlight and creating what appears like a yellow dragon flying down the mountain. Flowing in separate steams the water creates colourful lakes and waterfalls which form a lake group, with pristine water and mineral deposits at the lakes bottom reflections look like jade.

Just a glimpse into China’s magical national parks and reserves, leaves you wanting to uncover more of the country’s ‘hidden’ treasures, and with so many to choose from, you are guaranteed to take in what can only be classed as heaven on Earth without the distraction or disruption of the outside world.

Image Credits: Image 1 – Zhangjiajie | Image 2 – Jinbi Stream | Image 3 – Siguniangshan

Tags: China Travel, National Parks, Nature Reserves