Yangtze Hiking from Yichang to Chongqig for 9 Days

Route Four: Yichang - Maoping - Xiling Gorge - Jujifang - Xiangxi Stream - Nanmu Yuan - XiaoJiaping - Mazhongshan - Tuopan - New Peishi - Qingshi - Xiangjiawan - Wushan - BaiDicheng - Fengjie – Chongqing

If you are a youth looking for some serious adventure and thrill down the waves of the river Yangtze, then a 9-day long hiking tour down the stream through some of the most diverse and breathtaking locations around the river banks is the one for you!

Make sure that you are prepared for this tough and draining routine because this hike trip is not meant for the fainthearted. Deeply engrossing yet highly enjoyable, this is the trip that you will remember for years as one of the best times of your life!

Yichang – The trip starts from the ultimate hub of the Yangtze delta, the bustling city of Yichang. From here on you can take a bus ride to Maoping and enjoy the serene environment and long-stretching waters as you sail through the steadily moving twists and turns on the road. The journey is roughly seventy kilometers long, does not cost much and presents a startling palette of beautiful scenes on its way.

Maoping – Maoping is a resting stop you can take on your tiring long journey through the hiking route and has multiple lodges and guesthouses where you can relax and enjoy the serene environment with ease. One noteworthy place to stay is the Xinghuacun Guesthouse which offers good service and beautiful surroundings.

Jujifang – Many buses regularly leave for Jujifang from Maoping after every few hours. Take one early in the morning to explore the eighteen kilometers long road to the stop at Buzhuanghe. Along the way you will experience the amazingly enchanting Liyutan Tunnel, which is 1800 meters long and pitch black.

The intakes in the tunnel after every half kilometer give a burst of sunshine to your otherwise eerie journey and this unique drive through the eerie caves apart from giving you the chills make you savor and enjoy the thrilling ride even more!

Xiangxi Stream – Crossing the river bank at Buzhuanghe takes you to Xiangxi, where you can stay the night and relax. The Xiangxi Stream can also be explored by row boat because it is such a spectacular and beautiful sight that you cannot afford to miss it at any cost!

Rowing way your way ahead the next step for you is the village of Badong, from where you will have to hike a good fifteen kilometers to reach Nanmu Yuan. Hike along the Suozi Stream and Shazhuanchang to get a full boost of nature’s galore and plush green grasslands as you hike towards the diverse and beautiful Nanmu Yuan.

Nanmu Yuan – Nanmu Yuan is a cheap yet breathtaking destination where you can rest for a few hours before heading on towards your hiking adventure. Various guesthouses are constructed that can cater to a large number of visitors, with clean and affordable lodging options available. Explore the beauty of nature at this comfortable and warm place and you will be affirmed that China is truly a country that is renowned for its hospitality above everything else.

XiaoJiaping – The journey from Nanmu Yuan to the XiaoJiaping Port takes roughly two to three hours on foot and lets you experience some of the most delightful and adventurous sights on your way.

However, the trek is slippery and dangerous due to the presence of sharp rocks and steep edges; hence, special care should be taken when moving through these areas to ensure safety and security at all times. Beautiful ridges and mountain ranges await you in this hiking route so be prepared with your camera to capture these timeless shots!

Mazong Mountain – The Mazong Mountain is one of the highlights of the many mountain ranges that you will come across while trekking your way through XiaoJiaping to New Peishi. Owing to its mystical splendor and ruggedness, it is a one of a kind structure that you will not come across while hiking at any other part of the world.

Tuopai – Trekking through the mountains and hills of Tuopai will be a different experience altogether because of the serene atmosphere and the charm of the landscape. Explore the varying landscapes underneath the warm glow of the sun surrounded by tropical grassy lands to become a part of a fairytale yourself!

New Peishi – New Peishi is at a distance of 16 kilometers from Nanmu Yuan and is a popular and beautiful site where you can stop by, relax and enjoy a few hours of sleep and relaxation. Overnight stay at New Peishi is affordable and comfortable, and make sure you also try some of the local delicacies and culinary delights while you are staying in the heart of tribal China.

Qingshi is 10 kilometers away from the port of Peishi and is a relaxing and enjoyable hike through the ridges and hills that are paving their way towards the slanting waters of the Yangtze. Qingshi – The fifth day of your hiking trip will mark your arrival at Qingshi, the ultimate high point of your entire hiking trip. There is so much to do and so much to see in its surroundings that a few days seem utterly impossible to fully appreciate its true beauty and charm.

This will also be the most pleasant and comfortable portion of your hike as the grasslands are smooth, there are fewer thorns and rocks and the entire region is bathed in a sunny and mesmerizing glow. The main highlights of this region include the natural wonder; the Wu Gorge, which is a sublime combination of stalactites and greenery that will enchant you as soon you set our eyes on it. If this is not enough, enjoy the royal grandeur of the Kongming Monument and the mystic appeal of the Shennv Feng.

There are a few small peaks in the area that you can climb and get a full adrenaline rush because of the stamina and thrill involved in this activity. The Shennv Peak is a popular choice of most tourists because of its breathtaking beauty and sensual aura.

Xiangjiawan – You can stay back in Qingshi for a few hours of sleep and relaxation before heading on to your next destination Xiangjiawan, where you can get a boat ride to the city of Wushan. The total distance that needs to be covered between Qingshi and Xiangjiawan comprises of a little over fifteen kilometers.

Wushan - If you think that you need something more thrilling and adventurous in your bag while cruising, surfing and walking down the water and surroundings of the Yangtze, you can take a boat to Wushan.

Comprising 90 minutes, this will give you a chance to not only explore the serene and calm waters of the Yangtze, but you can also visit the diverse lands of Daxi through the cruise. Take a boat from Wushan to Daxi that passes through the Danning Valley and you will be mesmerized and tranquilized by the simple beauty of the surroundings.

BaiDicheng – BaiDicheng is about eight kilometers away from Daxi and offers the visitors to take in as much natural beauty and splendor on their way that they can. Interact with the local fisherman and explore the greenery, the village and the ancient relics in this area as you make your way towards the end of your hike.

Fengjie – Fengjie can be reached in a few hours through a bus ride by taking a bus from the boundaries of BaiDicheng. You can also walk and explore the flora and fauna in this region on foot as this is a 100 meters hike full of splendor and adventure!

Chongqing – The bustling city of Chongqing brings about an end to your hike on this route down the Yangtze, but it certainly does not end your adventures! Chongqing is a diverse and beautiful city on its own and the food, entertainment, art and architecture and culture of this metropolitan hub will keep you occupied with sightseeing and activities for days to come!

The Yangtze River hiking tour is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with just the right mix of adventure, thrill, beauty and fun. If you are looking for a sense of relaxation and wish to explore the serenity and splendor of nature on foot, opt for a hiking trip down the Yangtze as soon as you can. It will not only be a refreshing experience for your body and mind but will also be a soothing escape from the ordinary for your soul!