Mountain Calls: Time to Take A Hike

 

China is a paradise for hikers, trekkers and mountain climbers of all skill levels. And as the weather warms, it's time for hiking. .

North, south, east and west, China has mountains to match the expectations and test the skills of beginning China vacation deals, intermediate and expert climbers.There are many delightful hikes that stop short of being real climbs. The scenery is breathtaking and there's lots of culture along the way.

Tips:

1. Choose a climb appropriate to your skill level.

2. Do not climb alone, always with a partner or group.

3. Check the weather before and during the climb.

4. Dress appropriately, wear comfortable boots and a hat.

5. Pack a water-proof coat, fresh water, food, first-aid kit, flashlight, sunscreen, sunglasses, change of clothes, maps and other items.

Here are some springtime climbs.

Mt Putuo

Zhejiang Province

Only six hours' jouey from Shanghai top 10 China tours, Mt Putuo on an island in the East China Sea is one of China's four Buddhist mountains along with Mt Wutai in Shanxi Province, Mt Emei in Sichuan Province and Mt Jiuhua in Anhui Province.

The mountain in Zhejiang Province is part of a scenic archipelago. Its highest peak is only around 290 meters above sea level and Mt Putuo is really just a stroll.

The area features lush greenery, strange rock formations and interesting temples. The view from the summit over the Zhoushan Archipelago is breathtaking.

At its peak period, Mt Putuo had 82 temples with more than 4,000 monks and nuns. Tourists walking along mountain paths encounter many monks, who sometimes share their wisdom with visitors. Most temples are sacred to Guanyin, the goddess of Mercy.

There are three major temples on Mt Putuo today: Puji, Fayu and Huiji temples.

The most famous is Puji Temple covering 11,000 square meters and featuring a giant statue of Guanyin in the middle of the main hall, surrounded by 32 smaller statues of the goddess. There are nine halls in the temple.

Fayu Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and incorporates the topography. Tall and ancient trees give it an atmosphere of tranquillity.

Huiji Temple, also built in the Ming Dynasty, is atop the mountain.

A night market on the island sells souvenirs of Mt Putuo and nearby eateries specialize in local snacks and seafood. There are many vegetarian restaurants.

In the main square near Puji Temple popular China tour package, guidebooks and maps in English are available.

Mt Wuyi

Fujian Province

A more challenging but not difficult climb is Mt Wuyi, averaging 350 meters above sea level in coastal Fujian Province where the climate is warm and mild. It has a reputation as the most charming mountain in southeaste China. There are spectacular cliffs, waterfalls and vistas as well as temples and relics.

It is also famous for Wuyi Oolong rock tea, so called because tea bushes grow in rocky areas and are nurtured by the mists and perfect temperature.

The name Wuyi comes from an legend about Wu and Yi, the sons of an 800-year-old hermit who lived on magical ganoderma mushroom. In ancient times flooding caused great suffering to people and damage to crops, so the two cut through the mountain and tamed the raging river by channeling it into nine branches. A palace was built in their name.

The area has one of the world's largest intact mid subtropical ecosystems. More than 90 percent of the area is covered by forest; more than 3,000 species of trees and plants grow there, and it is home to more than 400 species of animals.

A major attraction is Dawang Peak and Yunu Peak, which face each other, like a couple in love. The area is one of cliffs and luxuriant vegetation.

Legend has it that long ago a king fell in love with a commoner but she did not accept him because she knew their different rank would spell misfortune. The king would not give up; he asked a witch to tu the girl into Yunu peak so she would be there forever. He stood enthralled and finally he too became a mountain, Dawang Peak.

Jiuqu River, also known as Nine-Bend River, is popular for boating and riding a bamboo raft for sightseeing along its 9-kilometer length. The water is so pure and clear that pebbles and fish are clear visible.

How to get there

Mt Putuo:

By boat - Take a 1 1/2 hour bus from Shanghai Nanpu Bridge Long-Distance Bus Station (1588 Waima Rd) to Luchao Port. Then it's a three-hour boat ride.

By bus - From Shanghai South Passenger Transport Terminal (289 Laohumin Rd), luxury buses regularly go to Zhoushan (five hours) where a fast boat takes another one hour to Mt Putuo.

Mt Wuyi: A 10-hour train goes directly from Shanghai South Railway Station to the mountain area. Through April 29, special weekend trains leave Shanghai at 8:35pm Friday and retu at 6:40am Monday.

More: China tour guide

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