August 24th, 2012 GB Times - China has many fantastic places to visit, and there are many different ways to explore and experience the country. The most adventurous travelers should definitely opt for hiking in order to fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes.

Get your backpack ready! Here are 10 hiking destinations that epitomize China's unique natural beauty.

 10-Lijiang River, Guangxi Province
Originating in the Mao'er mountains in Xing'an County, the Lijiang River flows southeast through Guilin City and Yangshuo to the Gongcheng Estuary in Pingle County. With 437 kilometers of scenic beauty, the Lijiang River is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

An attractive hiking route is from Yangdi wharf in Yangshuo to Xingping County. The walk is only about 10 kilometers but you can spend the whole day strolling along the riverbank and experiencing the local culture.

Best time to visit: since the Lijiang River is beautiful in all weather conditions, there is no special season to visit.

 9-Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan Province
60 kilometers northwest of the ancient town of Lijiang in Yunnan Province, Tiger Leaping Gorge lies between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) and Haba Snow Mountain (Haba Xueshan).

At more than 3,790 meters deep, the gorge is believed to be one of the deepest in the world and one of the best for hiking.

There are upper, middle and lower sections to the 25 kilometer hike. Usually, travelers finish the trip over two days, walking 4-6 hours each day.

Best time to visit: May to July.

 8-Ha'nasi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Ha'nasi, a word of Mongolian origin, means "mysterious beauty." The Ha'nasi Nature Reserve lies in the northern part of Burqin County in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It contains snowy mountains, valleys, forests, flowers, lakes, meadows and almost all varieties of natural beauty.

The most popular route for hiking is from Dahong fishing island on Ha'nasi Lake to Hemu village. The route is quite long and will take you three days. Those who want to brave the trip should take camping gear and plenty of food and water.

Best time to visit: July, August and September.

 7-The Great Wall, Beijing
The Great Wall is probably China's greatest cultural icon. The best restored section of the wall is at Badaling in the north of Yanqing County. This section was originally built in 1505 and is very accessible for travelers who are short on time or are not into long hikes.

Truth to be told, Badaling is always packed with crowds of tourists. You can also try less crowded sections of the Great Wall, for example, Mutianyu which lies in Huairou county about 70 kilometers north of Beijing.

Best time to visit: anytime – the wall is spectacular in all seasons.

 6-Siguniang Mountain, Sichuan Province
Siguniang Mountain (Four Girls Mountain) stands between Xiaojin County and Wenchuan County in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It covers about 2,000 square kilometers and consists of four continuous peaks, with the main peak reaching 6,250 meters. The mountains are covered by snow and ice all year round and are known as the Alps of the East.

Every year, travelers come from all over the world to hike on Siguniang Mountain. A popular route is from Rilong County, via Changping Village and Yakou County to Bipenggou scenic spot. It takes you three days and is a wonderful opportunity to experience Sichuan.

Best time to visit: May and June, or September and October

 5- Daocheng County, Sichuan Province
Daocheng, a county in the southwest of Sichuan Province, is mainly inhabited by Tibetans. Broad valleys, lush pastures and imposing mountains make the county a fantastic place for a visit and a hike.

Surrounded by snowy mountains and forests, Daocheng is considered the last unspoiled Shangri-La. The three-day hike from Daocheng to Yading takes you through some of the quietest and purest natural scenery on earth.

Best time to visit: from spring to autumn, Daocheng has diverse scenery to offer; especially in October, it will present you with a wonderful and colorful autumn.

 4- Gangrenboqi Mountain, Tibetan Autonomous  Region
Gangrenboqi (Kailash) Mountain in the west of Tibet is 6,638 meters high. Hindus, Tibetan Buddhists and followers of the ancient Tibetan Bon religion believe Gangrenboqi is the center of the world and the most sacred mountain. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gather there to walk around the mountain and worship.

Besides the pilgrims, the mountain also attracts millions of ordinary tourists. Hiking in the area not only lets you experience the breathtaking scenery, but also the local customs and sacred culture. It takes three days to walk around the mountain. You may need a special permit to visit Tibet and you should certainly prepare suitable clothing for the plateau climate.

Best time to visit: June to September.

 3- Yangtze Three Gorges, Chongqing and Hubei  Province
The Three Gorges is one of the most beautiful scenic spots on the Yangtze River. Running from Chongqing to Yichang, the gorges stretch 191 kilometers. The names of the three Gorges are Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. The world famous Three Gorges Dam was started in 1994 and completed in 2006.

There are three main hiking routes in the area:

1. Xiling Gorge: from Sandouping to Xindui, 26.5 kilometers, 8 hours;

2. Wu Gorge: from Peishi to Wushan, 28 kilometers, 9 hours;

3. Qutang Gorge: from Wushan to Daxi, 25 kilometers, about 6.5 hours.

Best time to visit: April to November.

 2- Mount Qomolangma
At 8,844.43 meters high, Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, is the world's highest peak. It stands in the Himalayas on the border between Tibet and Nepal.

As the roof of the world, Mount Qomolangma draws millions of travelers and climbers to challenge themselves and enjoy the unique beauty. But because of the altitude, weather, wind and other difficulties, hiking or climbing requires special training and professional guides.

Best time to visit: March to May or September and October.

 1- Motuo County, Tibetan Autonomous Region
Motuo, which means "hidden lotus" in Tibetan, is located in the southeast of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Until this year it was the only county in China with no highway, and is a paradise for travelers and adventurers. Covering an area of 34,000 square kilometers, the mysterious Motuo County is mainly inhabited by the Menba and Luoba ethnic groups who have a population of about 9,700.

Starting from Paixiang, and passing through Lage, Aniqiao, Badengze and Damu, you can walk around the county in about nine days. Travelers should prepare well for the altitude, climate and tough walking conditions.

Best time to visit: July to October.