There is always a reason to get atop a mountain. Catching the most magnificent scenery at a high altitude, watch sunrise or sunset, meet interesting people, share traveling stories, seeking for bravery, knowing your limits…Countless mountains are seated in China. Here, I want to share you the top 10 most beautiful ones.
No.1: Namcha Barwa (Tibet)
Namcha Barwa or Namchabarwa is a mountain in the Tibetan Himalaya. The traditional definition of the Himalaya extending from the Indus River to the Brahmaputra would make it the eastern anchor of the entire mountain chain and its the highest peak of its own section as well as Earth’s easternmost peak over 7,600 meters. It is rarely visited by outsiders.
No.2: Mount Gongga (Sichuan)
Mount Gongga, also known as Minya Konka, is the highest mountain in Sichuan province. It is also known to locals as “The King of Sichuan Mountains.” Situated in the Daxue Shan mountain range, between the Dadu River and Yalong River, part of the Hengduan mountainous region, Mount Gongga is the easternmost 7,000 meters (23,000 ft) peak in the world and the third highest peak outside of the Himalaya/Karakoram, after Tirich Mir and Kongur Tagh. The peak has a large vertical relief over the deep nearby gorges.
No.3: Mount Qomolangma (Tibet)
Mount Qomolangma (known as Mount Everest in the West) is the highest mountain on the planet. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. Its peak is 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level and is the 5th furthest point from the center of Earth. The international border between China and Nepal runs across the precise summit point. Its massif includes neighboring peaks Lhotse, 8,516 m (27,940 ft); Nuptse, 7,855 m (25,771 ft) and Changtse, 7,580 m (24,870 ft).
Highly Recommended tour to visit Mount Everest: 8 Days Lhasa & Everest Base Camp Tour
No.4: Meili Snow Mountain (Yunnan)
Meili Snow Mountain is a holy land of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists, and ranks the first among the eight sacred mountains in Tibet. It has 13 peaks with average altitude of over 6,000 meters above sea level, which means 13 prince peaks. The main peak, kawagebo, is a snow mount in a pyramid shape, commonly known as the Goddess of Meili Snow Mountain.
It is good to visit Meili Snow Mountain in winter and spring periods between October and May. While the best time is after the end of October, you can view the main peak. The best locations to view it: one is at Wunongding Viewing Deck. Standing there are 13 white towers and an open terrain, which is quite spectacular. The other is at Feilai Temple Incense Table. It is the best position to shoot a panoramic view of the thirteen peaks and to look at the wonderful scenery of the sunrise and sunset.
Highly Recommended tour to visit Meili Snow Mountain: 6 Days Shangli-La & Meili Snow Mountain Pilrimage Tour
No.5: Yellow Mountain (Anhui)
Huangshan or Yellow Mountain is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. The mountain range is composed of material that was uplifted from an ancient sea during the Mesozoic era, 100 million years ago. The mountains themselves were carved by glaciers during the Quaternary. Vegetation on the range is thickest below 1,100 meters (3,600 ft), with trees growing up to the treeline at 1,800 meters (5,900 ft).
The area is well-known for its scenery, sunsets, peculiarly shaped granite peaks, Huangshan Pine trees, and views of the clouds from above. Huangshan is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature, as well as modern photography. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China’s major tourist destinations.
Highly Recommended tour to visit Yellow Mountain: 4 Days Best Huangshan Tour with Xidi & Hongcun Ancient Villages
No.6: Three Holy Mountains in Daocheng (Sichuan)
Three Sacred Mountains is located in Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. From the meandering ranges, emerge the three sacred mountains of Daocheng: Xiannari, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji. Since the ancient times, the three sacred mountains have been a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhism.
Xiannairi, the main peak of the three sacred mountains with an altitude of 6032m, is first among Daocheng’s high peaks. According to legend, it is the incarnation of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy Guanyin or Avalokitesvara. Its slopes are vast; its gradient gentle, the mountain looks like Great Buddha sitting in peace, graceful and poised.
No.7: Chogori Peak (Xinjiang)
Chogori Peak, also known as K2, 8,611 meters in Yecheng County, Kashgar (Kashi) Region of Xinjiang, is a transliteration of the Tajik language, meaning ”high, great and magnificent.” Internationally, it is better known as K2, which is the only major mountain in the world that has surveyor’s notation as its common name (K stands for Karakoram, 2 means it was the second peak listed).
It is known as the Savage Mountain due to its extreme difficulty of ascent and has the second-highest fatality rate among the eight “thousanders.” For every four people who have reached the summit, one has died trying. It is more difficult and hazardous to reach the peak of K2 from the Chinese side; thus, it is usually climbed from the Pakistani side. Unlike Annapurna, the mountain with the highest fatality-to-summit rate, K2 has never been climbed in the winter.
No.8: Mount Kailash (Tibet)
Kailash, located in the Ngari Region of Tibet, is “Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain”. Kailash and Lake Mansarova are famous as Sacred Mountain and Holy Lake respectively. Both have often been chosen as sacrificial center Hindu, Buddhist, and Bonist pilgrims. Their spiritual aura and paradisiacal scenery also entice ordinary tourist.
Travel Tips: One circle around the mountain is 52 km (32.31 mi.) long and takes about three days. Because of the high altitude, weather changes frequently. Travelers should bring warm clothes, a tent and sleeping bag, a waterproof mattress or cushion, food items and common medicines. Camp stoves are permitted on the mountain.
Highly Recommended tour to visit Mont Kailash: 16 Day Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Tour
No.9: Mount Tai (Shangdong)
Mount Tai, the foremost of the Five Great Mountains of China, is a mountain of historical and cultural significance.
It is well known for its majesty in vigor, grandness in structure, soaring in shy and rooting in terra, broad foundation. It is also a focal point for religion in this area, providing a base for Buddhism and Taoism. The tallest peak is the Jade Emperor Peak at 1,545 meters. For climbing, you can started from the back or north side. There are also round-trip cable cars from the front for travelers to reach the top (Note: The last cable car descends at 4.30 p.m.).
Highly Recommended tour to visit Mount Tai: 4 Days Jinan Culture Tour with Mount Tai
No.10: Mount Emei (Sichuan)
Mount Emei, located 156 km away from Chengdu, is a UNESCO Natural and Cultural Heritage Site featuring pleasant weather, splendid natural scenery and historical Buddhist sites.
Once you visit Mount Emei, you will not be indulged by the amazing natural beauty, but also eperience the sacred Buddhist culture there.
Highly Recommended tour to visit Mount Emei: 5 Days Chengdu, Leshan & Mount Emei Tour
